
This is another 'Five Monkeys' book from the beloved book series by Eileen Christelow. Like Five Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, this is an adorably illustrated ebook based on a print title published in 2000. When I checked the Amazon.com reviews for the print version I discovered that even the lowest rated reviews 'highly recommend' this title - the series is just that good. In digital form, these books are transformed with sound, interactivity and text that highlights as it is read.
In this story, the monkeys try to help mama sell their old beat-up car by washing, painting & perfuming the vehicle (it still doesn't run). Then they push it down the hill in an effort to get more people to see the 'for sale' sign. Unfortunately they end up in a swamp. But they are saved by some friendly crocodiles who not only push the car up the hill, but also decide to buy it to ride right back down into their swamp (where they promptly set it up as a place to sleep). With the money they've earned, the happy monkeys buy a convertible. That's some serious salesmanship!
Like the Seuss books (also by Oceanhouse Media), this book is interactive in a way that enhances early reading skills. Most images (monkeys, crocodiles, the car, plus actions like 'scrub'), can be tapped to hear the words aloud while the word briefly appears over the illustration. For example, touch the car in any scene and the word "car" appears and is spoken aloud by the narrator. You can even 'count' the monkeys on nearly every page by tapping their heads in order from right to left.
The book is nicely narrated with monkey sounds in the background. It has easy page turning and a nice array of settings, although the interactive elements have sound even with the 'sound' setting on 'off' so for silent reading time, mute the device. This is a great title for prereaders, reading learners and children up to age 8 to read to themselves.
All reviews are of the app, not the platform/device. Based originally on iPad versions. Minor technical details may vary.
Author/Illustrator:
Eileen Christelow
Developer:
Oceanhouse Media
Length (time):
10 - 15 Minutes
Based on non-digital book: Yes
Allows Own Narration:
No
Uses Motion: No
Age: 3 - 8 +
Languages:
English •
Length (pages):
36 Pages
The five little monkeys try to help mama sell their old car in this title. The car is dirty and smelly, though, so the monkeys wash, paint and perfume it. No one comes to buy the car so they decide to push it down the hill, but it gets away from them. When the car lands in a swampy lake they think they are doomed until some friendly crocodiles help them push the car back up the hill. Once the car is back by the house, the enterprising monkeys talk the now weary crocs into buying the car to ride home. The crocodiles park the broken down car (now clean, painted prettily & nice smelling) in the swamp & sleep in it. Meanwhile the monkeys tell mama their good news. The whole family then buys a fancy new convertible.
Orientation: Landscape
Format: Universal
Options:
Read to Me, Read Myself, AutoPlay, Sound On/Off, News On/Off
App Release Date:
2011-03-29
Size: 15.2 MB
Version: 1.08
Lite Version Available: No