Customer Reviews (8)

A must have.
What a cute tale. An ape that escapes from the zoo takes a little journey through New York City. The illustrations are great. My 10mo. old son seems to enjoy looking at the pictures. I am sure when he gets older this will be a nice beginner book for him to learn to read.

A young New Yorker's favorite
My 2 year old daughter loves this book. If we read it once, we read it five times in response to her demand of "Again!" and "Again!" She loves spotting Marvin in some places that are familiar to her, like the subway and the park. But she really loves when Helvetica Hippo dashes out! No matter how many times we read this book, the anticipation of the last page makes her wiggle and giggle until the end.

Advice For You, Too
This is the most profound book I've read in years, a short work, yes, but very intense. If you are like me, it will keep you awake at night wondering what happens next...again and again and again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   2. Apes   3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks   4. Children: Kindergarten   5. City and town life   6. Fiction   7. Juvenile Fiction   8. Lifestyles - City Life   

Customer Reviews (6)

Curious George--the way we remember him
In their version of the iconic character, Vipah Interactive draws upon our collective memories--not the reality--of Curious George. Gone are the thirties' cartoon mannerisms, the gritty ash can school shading, and the suggestion that monkees like living in a zoo. In their place are clean, bright illustrations and skillfully obscured automobiles and clothing styles that push George's world into chronological ambiguity. Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory evokes the memory of old Lucy shows as seen through the gaze of nostalgia. But the storyline is contemporary suggesting that like choosing Control-Z, we can readily undo the results of our past actions.

George Has a Chocolate Jones!
Illustrated and written in the style of original authors, Margaret and H.A. Rey, this 1998 release finds George and the infamous man in the yellow hat visiting a chocolate factory. When the yellow-hatted man tells George "wait here while I buy these, and please stay out of trouble," you KNOW that George will do exactly the opposite. After all, George is CURIOUS, and his inquiring personality and sweet tooth lead him deeper and deeper into the inner workings of the factory, where he gets into more trouble. His quick hands and mouth save the factory from his own curiosity-inspired havoc, and George goes home happy and full.

While not as clever as some of the earlier books in the series, the chocolate factory setting is inspired. Page 10, for example, depicts seven different mouth-watering chocolates. Little ones will understand George's interest in the making of chocolates, and his accidental, temporary wrecking of the assembly line. Again, I don't think it's quite up to the high standards of some of the other "Curious George" books. Twenty-two pages, with understated watercolor and pencil illustrations on each page.

Stories need a little help but pictures tip top
I must say I was astonished to see how remarkably well Vipah was able to reproduce the artwork of the late H. A. Rey. Too bad they couldn't quite come up to par with the stories all the time. Case in point, My three year old was confused as to why the chocolates started going faster, since the text doesn't point out that george steps on a lever to make it go faster, you have to see it in the picture. Three year olds don't know anything about levers marked EXTRA FAST.

One great thing about these new series of books is they are mercifully short. The classic george books check in at 48-64 pages which gets really tiresome after 30 or 40 readings!!

I personally think the pancakes book is better. But Chris loves George so it doesn't matter much what I think. :-) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure   2. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   3. Candy   4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks   5. Children: Grades 1-2   6. Chocolate   7. Fiction   8. Humorous Stories   9. Juvenile Fiction   10. Monkeys   11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Apes & Monkeys   

Customer Reviews (2)

Must read!
This delightful book is a must read for all mommies who are struggling with sending their own little monkeys off to mother's day out or pre-school or kindergarten, camp for the first time. the parallel is so sweet. the pages are so beautifully illustrated and are what you'd expect from the diva of french design, betty lou phillips. i love all of her books, but this one is my absolute favorite!

Playful & Educational
In this adorable book, we find a monkey named Emily who sleeps in a frilly French bedroom. She is rather mischievous and loves to swing from chandeliers, paint pictures on walls and hide.

On these pages she is found on almost every page, sometimes she is hiding between books on a shelf or playing the piano.

Sharon Watts has done an amazing job with the illustrations. This book has an added level of intrigue as some of the pages fold out. There is a lot going on behind the green curtain! The words within the pictures are often in full-color and I found the main story font was easy to read.

In this story, Madame DuBois takes care of Emily as if she was her child. We find Emily eating in bed or being carried home from a shopping trip. She also enjoys taking Emily to outdoor markets where she eats famous French doughnuts. Madame DuBois also makes sure she wears fashionable clothes.

One day, Emily goes wild and Madame DuBois takes her to the Zoo so she can be with other monkeys. She soon regrets this decision, but with some patience she learns this is best for a wild animal.

This book is filled with wonderful art, some suspense and even a good laugh on the last page. Your young children will love this book.

Betty Lou Phillips is also the author of:

Unmistakably French
Villa Décor
French Influences
Provencal Interiors ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   2. Children: Grades 4-6   3. Fiction   4. Juvenile Fiction   5. Monkeys   6. Pets   7. Wild animals as pets   

Customer Reviews (2)

Curious George and the Pizza
Graphics and story were weak relative to other George books. It seems as though this (and a few others) were just screen shots of the George movies, with no real story.

Instant Child Success!
This book was the first Curious George book I bought for my sons (aged 4 & 2)and they really enjoyed it. They liked the fact that George does lots of exploring and gets into trouble. I like the book because it shows them how to turn something negative into something positive. I would recommend this book to anyone with young children. Curious George is a classic and fun character! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   2. Children's 4-8   3. Children: Babies & Toddlers   4. Fiction   5. Monkeys   6. Pizza   7. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Apes & Monkeys   

Customer Reviews (2)

Don't Wake Up Mama
A GREAT book. My 21/2 year old loves this book. He loves the pictures, and the repetition of the phrase "shhh, don't wake up mama" is fun for him to say as we read. My 6 year old loves the book, because the monkeys are so sneaky as they try to bake a surprise cake for their mother's birthday. All of the Five Little Monkey books are wonderful.

My Opinion About Don't Wake Up Mama!
My opinion about Don't Wake Up Mama is that I think it is a very good childrens book. It is a good book for young children to start reading, it has easy words, that young kids can understand. For English, I have to read three childrens books, and write a review on each one. I think that this book is a really good, well written book. My favorite part of this book is how they are treating their mother with a happy birthday. I also thought using monkey's in place of children was a great idea. It gave the book a more interesting twist. The pictures were also really great. They all went right along with the story. I highly suggest this book to other children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   2. Baking   3. Birthdays   4. Cake   5. Children's 4-8   6. Children: Grades 1-2   7. Fiction   8. General   9. Juvenile Fiction   10. Monkeys   11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Apes & Monkeys   

Subjects:  1. Anatomy   2. Anthropology - Physical   3. Apes & Monkeys   4. Atlases   5. Brain   6. Life Sciences - Anatomy & Physiology   7. Macaques   8. Neuroanatomy   9. Neurology - General   10. Primate Physiology   11. Science   12. Science/Mathematics   13. Sociology   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   2. Children's 9-12 - Nature / Guide Books   3. Children: Grades 4-6   4. General   5. Japanese macaque   6. Japanese macaques   7. Juvenile Nonfiction   8. Juvenile literature   9. Monkeys   

Subjects:  1. Anatomy   2. Animal Anatomy   3. Anthropology - Physical   4. Apes & Monkeys   5. Dentition   6. Life Sciences - Zoology - General   7. Nature   8. Nature/Ecology   9. Primate Physiology   10. Primates   11. Science   12. Teeth   13. Animal physiology   14. Biological anthropology   15. Primates--Anatomy   16. Science / Zoology   

Customer Reviews (2)

Makes you feel close to gorillas
Beautiful, intimate, photographs of gorillas in the wild are accompanied by a text so vivid that you feel like you are right there with Stewart, watching wild gorillas as they lead their lives. You can almost smell them burb. The text is so accurate and up-to-date, that it is much more than a children's book. All ages will enjoy this book, although it is just right for reading to children.

Super Introduction to Gorillas with Outstanding Photographs
Gorillas is a superb introduction to the subject for those who want to know more about the natural history, behavior and conservation issues concerning gorillas. The book greatly benefits from an easy-to-understand and scientifically accurate text from Dr. Kelly Stewart, who is a well-known authority in the field, and as beautiful and stimulating a series of photographs as you can imagine.

The book opens with a humorous play on the old joke about where the 800 pound gorilla sits. Dr. Stewart describes her actual experience with a charging 350 pound male gorilla, and how it all turned out well. Males usually threaten more than they harm. In this way, they are more like humans than chimpanzees are. Dr. Kelly gently dispels a lot of old beliefs about how dangerous gorillas are. In the process, she makes a fine case for why we should help secure their endangered environments and support thoughtful eco-tourism to help make that possible. Anyone who sees the generously provided photographs will want to participate in one of the jungle and mountain treks that are available in Africa. For those who want to learn more, there's a brief list of recommended books.

As I finished reading this delightful book, I came away wondering why humans are so quick to attack and destroy anything or anyone who is different from them. Perhaps we can help save ourselves when we help save gorillas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets   2. Apes & Monkeys   3. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General   4. Gorilla   5. Nature   6. Nature/Ecology   7. Wildlife conservation   

Customer Reviews (1)

The Mouse Who Ate Bananas
I am a children's librarian and I used this book for a preschool storytime--the children loved it. It is a pop-up book with large 2-page spread pop-ups that are totally delightful. The mouse eats bananas and throws the peel over his shoulder. Along come elephant, rhino, lion, and giraff who all slip on the peel. The animals are all drawn in wonderful poses when they slip--they are all drawn in great detail with very animated features. The children loved the drawings, the pop-ups, and the story. This will enchant all preschoolers. A sure hit for storytime and for any child that loves a delightful story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   2. Animals - MiceHamstersGuinea Pigsetc.   3. Bananas   4. Children's Baby - Pop-Ups   5. Children: Preschool   6. Cooking/Food   7. Fiction   8. Juvenile Fiction   9. Mice   10. Specimens   11. Toy and movable books   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   2. Babysitters   3. Bedtime   4. Bedtime & Dreams   5. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks   6. Children's All Ages - Fiction - General   7. Children: Kindergarten   8. Christelow, Eileen   9. Fiction   10. General   11. Hide-and-seek   12. Juvenile Fiction   13. Monkeys   14. Sports & Recreation - Games - General   15. Fiction / General   

Customer Reviews (1)

Groundbreaking, Definitive Research
The book is exceptionally well written, and the research behind it is powerful and compelling. I first came across Povinelli's work in a special Scientific American issue on intelligence, where he debated his former mentor, Gordon Gallup, on the nature and extent of chimpanzee self awareness. I was wowed by the strength and elegence of his reasoning then, and again in his previous book, "What Young Chimpanzees Know About Seeing", perhaps all the more so because his conclusions run so completely counter to what I had been conditioned to think about chimps from depictions in popular culture.

This book is even better and more full of revelations than his previous work. I couldn't put it down. On top of that, it is an outstanding example of the rigorous application of scientific method, and could provide many terrific examples for teachers trying to teach the scientific method to students.

"Folk Physics for Apes" is probably the best scientific book I've read, beating out tough competition from "The Selfish Gene" and "The Extended Phenotype" (R. Dawkins), "The Dinosaur Heresies" (R. Bakker), as well as other top notch books on the nature of mind, like "An Anthropologist on Mars" (O. Sacks) and "The Rediscovery of the Mind" (J. Searle).

Simply the best! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior   2. Chimpanzees   3. Cognitive Psychology   4. General   5. Life Sciences - Zoology - Primatology   6. Psychology   7. Psychology, Comparative   8. Tool use in animals   9. Animal behaviour   10. Child & developmental psychology   11. Primates   

Customer Reviews (6)

Tarzan
The Edgar Rice Burroughs books are full of suspense, a perfect bedtime story. The best thing is that many (if not all of them) can be downloaded from from Project Gutenberg. Try reading the first one, Tarzan of the Apes, to your child as a serial bedtime story. They'll be begging to go to bed.

Disney's Tarzan , clear and Precise
This version of Disney's Tarzan is clearly written and has accurate drawings true to the film's content. Rarely do you find a smaler version of the big books so well presented.

Smaller successor to the Disney Classic series
Disney Mouseworks seems to be moving to smaller books and it looks like the end of the line of the Disney Classics series. The new Read-Aloud Storybooks are shorter (by about 20 pages) and smaller (by an inch here and there). That's too bad for those of us who have been collecting the old series. The paper is nicer and the artwork is very good, though, so it's not a total loss. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   2. Apes   3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks   4. Children: Kindergarten   5. Fiction   6. Jungles   7. Juvenile Fiction   8. Movie Tie - In   9. Tarzan (Fictitious character)   10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Apes & Monkeys   

Customer Reviews (5)

Amazing book
This inspiring book is written by two amazing people who found themselves at the right time and place, with the right knowledge, insight and determination, to develop and implement plans to save the mountain gorilla.
The book covers a wide variety of topics -- from the lives of the mountain gorilla, to the human problems of East Africa (particularly the genocide in Rwanda), to the perplexing life of Dian Fossey, to the politics and reality of conservation, and how their mission affected their own lives, all told with clarity, empathy, and even a bit of humor.
You cannot miss with this book!

Gentle giants in a hostile world.
The goal of the Weber-Vedder research team goes way beyond the single-minded documentation of one species: they study not only the life of the mountain gorilla, but also their changing habitat and the needy humans who share it. Amy Vedder is a biologist, her husband Bill Weber a social scientist, and their multidisciplinary approach to conservation offers a fresh look at opportunities to create win-win situations for both the animals and the humans who live near them.

In a lively and fast-paced narrative, Weber and Vedder document threats to the gorillas from 1978 ' 1992, presenting graphic accounts of animals injured by snares, beheaded by poachers, exposed to diseases borne by humans, allowed to die for lack of medical care, and forced to live in ever decreasing habitats, with more and more limited food supplies. Working first with Dian Fossey, whose battles with the bottle and mental illness are well documented, they eventually found the Mountain Gorilla Project, working with local governments and international foundations to develop educational programs, slow down the devastation of forests to create farmland, and make Rwandans proud of the unique environment they share with the animal world.

The outbreak of the Rwandan civil war in 1993, and the ensuing genocide of over a million people, which no western nation or the U.N. intervened to prevent, are depicted dramatically, emotionally, and thoroughly, as the research team returns to Rwanda to find their workers dead, missing, or in jail. Ironically, the gorillas are thriving. As the country tries to heal its wounds and rebuild, the authors comment about values: "There are more than a few Rwandans who wonder if the Western world would have intervened more quickly and forcefully if mountain gorillas, rather than Africans, were being slaughtered in 1994." In Rwanda, it may be the humans who are the more fragile species in this dangerous land.

Intriguing!
Very interesting account of a life of struggling to save Rwanda's mountain gorillas, with riveting accounts of life with Dian Fossey. Brings conservation issues and problems truly to light in central Africa. A very smooth and easy read. Recommended for those interested in conservation lifestyles and those already in conservation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apes & Monkeys   2. Environmental Conservation & Protection - Endangered Species   3. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General   4. Gorilla   5. Gorillas   6. Life Sciences - Zoology - General   7. Life Sciences - Zoology - Primatology   8. Nature   9. Nature / Field Guide Books   10. Nature/Ecology   11. Primates   12. Rwanda   13. Wild Animal And Bird Protection   14. Wildlife conservation   15. Nature / Apes & Monkeys   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   2. Children's 4-8   3. Children: Kindergarten   4. Fiction   5. Juvenile Fiction   6. Monkeys   7. Railroad stations   8. Railroads   9. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Apes & Monkeys   

Customer Reviews (2)

Baboon Butts and More!
In one word, wow! I purchased this book in the hopes of finding a good children's book, but boy was I surprised when I found a collection of lovely paintings, drawings, and pressed art made from the hind quarters of various baboon species. What a find!

-Pie

A book about baboons?
Baboons? Who want this kind of book? Weren't they ugliest monkeys?

No, this books shows you a very different world. Even if you're an adult, you'll find this book a nice bed time reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals   2. Baboons   3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks   4. Children: Preschool   5. Fiction   6. Perception   7. Social Situations - New Experience   8. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Apes & Monkeys   

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure   2. Animals - Apes & Monkeys   3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks   4. Children: Grades 1-2   5. Juvenile Fiction   6. Movie Tie - In   7. Social Situations - New Experience   8. Juvenile Fiction / Movie or Television Tie-In   

Customer Reviews (11)

Monkey do is not necessarily monkey think !
Writing with a broad, non-academic audience in mind, 'The Ape and the Sushi Master' provides an enjoyable and informative exploration of our human cultural biases. With respect to the more commonly reflexive leanings towards anthropomorphism when reflecting upon non-human animal behaviour, De Waal repeatedly reminds us of its extents, rather than constraints throughout this volume. Thematic throughout the chapters is the view that little is to be gained from the rather naively claimed evolutionary dichotomy of 'culture Vs nature' (as has always been the case for the equally problematic and inane 'nature Vs nurture' debate in my view). Whether reading this book will help prevent arguments continuing in the struggle for one side against the other, De Waal clearly states the circularity of these positions, including the (non-obvious to many) fact that they do not necessarily provide opposing views. Even for the more academic reader, this point is made in a way many students of animal behaviour (and indeed, perhaps, some of their professors) might benefit from reading. I would strongly recommend this general reading book if only for that reason.
The prevailing view recurrent throughout the chapters is that culture is a part of human nature (hence the circularity of the false dichotomy), and, in the mold of Lorenz, or the more popular writer Desmond Morris, De Waal does not dismiss the continuity between human and non-human animal behaviour. With regards any specific human cognitive developments, however, the evolutionary antecedents of such in the comparative literature are dealt with at a purely anecdotal level in this book (though a welcome set of notes and references provide some direction for those interested to check out some primary sources).

Of interest perhaps to those wanting to better understand human sexual behaviour (and its variations), De Waal includes an informative chapter concerning the bonobo chimpanzee 'kamasutra primates'. These are presented as a highly sociosexual species for reasons other than providing solely a male territorial imperative. Distinct from his earlier 'Chimpanzee Politics', De Waal's commentary here is consistent with his more recent ideas concerning reconciliation behaviour and social bonding via mutual sex in both single and mixed pairs/groups of apes. Citing the prudishness of (especially American) humans in preventing this story being more widely known (and well told in this volume, Ch.3), this bonobo chimpanzee behaviour is put forward as the most likely contender for mis-anthropomorphism since that of their chimpanzee cousin Pan troglodites' following discussions provoked by Darwin's 'Origin of Species'.

The rather puzzling reference to sushi in the title can be explained by the inclusion of two interwoven themes appearing throughout the volume. The first is De Waal's championing the contribution of the pioneering work of Japanese primatologists in semi-naturalistic ape colonisation studies (e.g., the longitudinal studies which claimed the cultural transmission of potato washing). The second is reference to the strict training regime of the Japanese Sushi chef, who undergoes upwards of three years of observational learning from a sushi Master Chef (human cultural transmission of fish dressing) prior to their exercising any of the skills required. Both these sets of findings (the former especially enjoyable to read from this book) bear upon another pair of terms of contention, 'learning and instinct', but less is explicitly made of this old bone here than demands comment in review. Perhaps a comment should be made here, however, with regards De Waal's claim for the existence of non-food related contingency rewards in Ch. 6. Although the evidence remains in a sense anecdotal, and without denying behaviours as being otherwise goal-directed, De Waal suggests that social learning is 'socially motivated'. The claim here is that 'social orientation feeds mimicry', and for reinforcement (reward contingency), the rewards are thus simply those of social conformism (and the benefits such acceptance and 'fitting in' can provide). Perhaps an extention of 'chimpanzee Politics' after all ?

Although I really liked De Waal's discussions of (actually attacks upon) naive cultural anthropomorphism, I look forward to seeing whether his term to describe the converse condition of being in 'anthropodenial' gains currency in the future. De Waal does make the occasional unwarranted claim himself, however, concerning the mentation and attributions of his non-human animal subjects. For example, we read that "[animals]... have only a vague understanding of what others are doing" (p.19) and, "We [humans] are the only animals with the concept of paternity as a basis for fatherhood" (p.73). The dangers of pursuing the types of research questions being adressed here and the need for a more empirical approach to their study are clearly evident in the production of these kinds of statements. But that is not to say that it cannot be achieved. An understanding of group dynamics should always consider the dynamics of its individual constituents, and it will always be important for us to distinguish between what a given animal DOES, from what it might be capable of thinking and knowing. In this sense, the apprentice sushi chef should certainly know a lot more than our observation of his/her overt behaviour might lead us to believe.

An intelligent, learned and wise scientist/author.
de Waal is intelligent, learned and wise. He is a reasonably competent writer. The ultimate objective of the book is to eliminate concepts of rigid duality: duality between humans and the rest of animals, duality between human nature and human culture. The substance of the book is an exploration of findings about animal culture (yes, animals are products of culture as well as genes), and the insights into ourselves these findings provide. A secondary strand is a historical review of competing ideas. I could have done with less emphasis on the secondary strand. Part of this relates to my own interest. Part relates to the fact that too often there is overkill: the sympathetic reader (dare I say intelligent and objective reader) is convinced by de Waal long before de Waal seems to expect him to be.

a bright book from the brightest mind in primatology
As anthropologist, I strongly recommend the reading of this book, especially for non-specialist. Easy to read, full of such interesting reflexions and historical fact. It is THE book to read for better understanding where human stand in the animal kingdom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Physical   2. Apes & Monkeys   3. General   4. Life Sciences - Biology - General   5. Science   6. Science/Mathematics   7. Sociology   

Customer Reviews (7)

Pictures of primates galore!
This book has everything. There are pictures in here of virtually all 246 species (give or take a few). There are great summaries about each animal and a hearty set of basic references for each. I love this book and look at it all the time. A must for anyone who loves primates.

Outstanding!
The Pictoral Guide to the Living Primates is the most outstanding book I have seen of its kind. As a zookeeper and lover of primates, I have researched various books and have not found one as complete as this book. Most books only have pictures of some of the primates, whereas this book has at least one picture for each species. The information provided for each species is thorough, yet simlpy written making it much more enjoyable to read. I greatly recommend this book to anyone intersted in or researching primates. A great find.

By far the BEST
This guide to the living primates is by far the best guide I have come accross in my studies. The author has gone out of his way to photograph the subjuct animals in their natural environment, relying on captive photos only when absolutely nescessary. I find myself using this book over and over, both professionally and personally. The photos are beautiful and the write ups are concise and well written. I love the page on Homo sapiens, which has a mirror instead of a photo. The write up on the humans is amusing as well. All in all the best of its kind. I really need to purchase another, mine is falling apart simply from use. A must for any physical anthropology student, environmentalist or nature lover. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets   2. Apes & Monkeys   3. General   4. Life Sciences - Zoology - Primatology   5. Mammals   6. Nature   7. Nature/Ecology   8. Pictorial works   9. Primates   10. primate    

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent for research, not something to curl up with...
This book is an excellent resource if you're looking to do any type of research, it would also be perfect to use as a ready reference tool for identiying certain species, but it is written in a dictionary type of style so it is not an incredible easy read.

You can enjoy the primates world with this book!
Before I got this book, I didn't know about pramates at all. Because I didn't have much interest to primates. And now I'm interested in primates, and want to know more. On this book, there're many photos and stories about primates. You can enjoy primates world with this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apes & Monkeys   2. Classification   3. Life Sciences - Zoology - General   4. Life Sciences - Zoology - Primatology   5. Nature   6. Nature / Field Guide Books   7. Primates   8. Science/Mathematics