About This Book
Reach for this book when you have a high-energy child who seems to turn every household object into a drum. If you find yourself constantly saying 'shhh' or 'not so loud,' this story offers a refreshing shift in perspective. It follows Mike, a boisterous monkey who cannot stop making noise with pencils, trash cans, and breakfast cereal, much to the frustration of the adults in his life. While Mike is initially reprimanded for his volume, the story takes a positive turn when his 'noise' is recognized as a musical gift. This book is a wonderful tool for normalizing the big physical energy of preschoolers and toddlers, helping them see their natural impulses as the beginning of a creative talent rather than just 'naughty' behavior. It validates a child's need for expression while modeling a constructive way to channel that energy.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
This is a secular and straightforward story. It touches lightly on the feeling of being misunderstood or 'too much' for adults, but the resolution is hopeful and validating. There are no heavy themes of trauma or loss.
Ideal Reader
A high-energy 3 or 4-year-old who is frequently corrected for being too loud or too active. It is perfect for the child who is kinesthetic and needs to move or touch things to understand them.
