About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to navigate the complexities of trust and is learning that not everyone who acts friendly has their best interests at heart. It is an essential tool for discussing discernment and the importance of using one's wits when faced with a tricky or manipulative peer. Through the lens of an ancient Jataka tale, children see how a clever monkey outsmarts a crocodile who attempts to lure him into a dangerous trap. Paul Galdone's vibrant illustrations bring this Indian fable to life, making the moral lessons about self-reliance and quick thinking accessible for children ages 4 to 8. While the crocodile is a predator, the story focuses on the monkey's resilience and intellectual triumph rather than fear. It provides a natural opening for parents to talk about 'stranger danger' or simply how to handle a 'frenemy' in a way that feels empowering rather than frightening.
