Sometimes We Think You Are a Monkey - Hardcover

JOHANNA SKIBSRUD is the author of The Sentimentalists, which won the 2010 Scotiabank Giller Prize. Her most recent novel for adults is Quartet for the End of Time. Johanna is donating part of her royalties to the Himalayan School Project, which supports the education of young girls in Nepal. For more information, please visit www.himalaynaschoolproject.org.

SARAH BLACKER is a writer and editor currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin. Sarah is donating part of her royalties to Camp Oochigeas, a summer camp for children with cancer. For more information, please visit www.ooch.org.

JULIE MORSTAD is an author, illustrator and artist living in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Her most recent book for children, How To, marks her authorial debut, and has received starred reviews in Kirkus, School Library Journal and Quill & Quire, as well as a Governor General's award nomination. Books she has illustrated for children include When You Were Small, recipient of the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award; When I Was Small, winner of the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize; and Singing Away the Dark, which was shortlisted for a number of children's literature prizes.

Baby-Toddler—Sure to be the next go-to favorite for new baby gifts, this is the beautiful story of adults comparing the instinctual behaviors of a variety of animals to the actions of a human baby. Babies move their arms much like little monkeys climbing trees. Babies also stretch in the sun like furry little kittens and enjoy bath time like little turtles. This is a sweet selection for parents to share with their young children and teachers to read to young students. Children listening can try to figure out who the narrators are describing. They will be tickled by each and every animal featured and giggle at the mention of their unique characteristics. The adorable animal paintings are bold and cheerful, very appealing and inviting. The contrast of the color choices is crisp, clear, and bright, simply perfect for the preschool set. The details in each illustration, such as the curl of a puppy's fur, give the book a warm and cozy feel. VERDICT A lovely option for parents and older siblings welcoming their newborn bundles of joy.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE