About This Book
Reach for this book when you notice your child looking longingly at what others can do, perhaps feeling a bit small or 'less than' compared to older siblings or more physically coordinated peers. It is an ideal choice for the preschooler who is navigating the transition from parallel play to social comparison and needs help finding their own unique footing. The story follows a playful Monkey who tries to mimic the impressive feats of his animal friends, only to realize he cannot fly like a bird or roar like a lion. However, the narrative takes a beautiful turn when his friends point out that they cannot swing or play quite like he can. It uses bright, collage-style illustrations to explore themes of self-confidence and belonging in a way that is accessible for toddlers and preschoolers. Parents will appreciate how it moves from the sting of jealousy to the warmth of self-acceptance without being overly preachy.
