Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson | Fun Storytime Read Aloud with Mr. Tim, IB School Librarian
Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson is a warm and engaging story that gently introduces children to problem-solving, logical thinking, and empathy. A young monkey has lost his mother, and with the help of a well-meaning butterfly, he searches for her.
As they meet different animals, the monkey carefully explains why each one cannot be his mum — too big, too small, too spotty, too stripey. This repeated structure supports early comprehension while introducing children to animal characteristics in a playful, memorable way.
Why This Book Works So Well
- Encourages comparison, reasoning, and critical thinking
- Repetition supports ESL and early language learners
- Introduces animal features and classification
- Strong emotional theme of reassurance and belonging
Teacher’s Corner
Before Reading
- Ask: How would you describe your mum?
- Introduce vocabulary: fur, tail, wings, spots, stripes
During Reading
- Pause and ask: Why isn’t this animal the monkey’s mum?
- Encourage children to describe animals using adjectives
After Reading
- Activity: Draw an animal and list its features
- Discussion: How did the butterfly help, even when mistaken?
Look Inside Monkey Puzzle (Amazon #Ad)
