Subject

Monkeys -- Juvenile fiction Books

Best books

Léon Gozlan

The man among the monkeys; or, Ninety days in apeland
 To which are added: The philosopher and his monkeys, The professor and the crocodile, and other strange stories of men and animals

"The Man Among the Monkeys; or, Ninety Days in Apeland" by Léon Gozlan is a fictional narrative likely written in the late 19th century. This tale chronicles the adventures of Polydorus Marasquin, who becomes embroiled in extraordinary encounters with a variety of apes after a shipwreck leaves him stranded on a mysterious island. Through his journey, themes of survival, the intricate nature of human-animal relationships, and the dark humor tied to his misfortunes with animals are explored. At the start of the story, the protagonist, Polydorus Marasquin, provides a background of his family's legacy and his passion for natural history. After losing his father to a tiger, he takes over the family business of acquiring and trading exotic animals, including an array of apes. Tragedy strikes when a baboon, seeking revenge, sets fire to his menagerie, killing his mother and forcing him into a precarious new life. As he sets sail for Oceania once more, his journey takes a dramatic turn when he shipwrecks on a jungle-filled island, only to find himself besieged by a chaotic multitude of apes, setting the stage for the wild adventures that will ensue.

Walter De la Mare

The Three Mulla-mulgars

"The Three Mulla-mulgars" by Walter De la Mare is a whimsical children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to the adventures of three young Mulgars—Thumb, Thimble, and Nod—who are sons of an old fruit-monkey named Mutta-matutta. After a series of tribulations, including the departure of their father, they embark on a journey to seek their uncle Assasimmon in the enchanting Valleys of Tishnar, facing trials and challenges in a richly imagined world. The opening of the novel sets a vivid scene in the mysterious Forest of Munza-mulgar, where we meet Mutta-matutta and her three sons, living in a decrepit hut filled with heirlooms from their ancestors. Following the departure of their father, Seelem, in search of adventure and riches, the brothers are eventually left to fend for themselves after the death of their mother. As they navigate life without her, they are driven by the promise of their father's legacy and the beauty of the Valleys of Tishnar. Each character is infused with unique charm and personality, and the narrative style, filled with imaginative language and enchanting lore, engages readers in their quirky adventures and the themes of loyalty, bravery, and the longing for belonging.

Annie F. (Annie Fellows) Johnston

The Story of Dago

"The Story of Dago" by Annie Fellows Johnston is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around an adventurous monkey named Dago who narrates his experiences to a mirror monkey while recounting his life journey from the jungle to a traveling circus and finally to a family in America. Through Dago's perspective, readers encounter themes of family, loss, and adaptation to new environments, with particular focus on the bonds he forms with the children of the household. The opening of the novel introduces Dago as he escapes from an attic room to speak with the mirror monkey, expressing his desire to share his story. He reminisces about his past adventures in the jungle, his capture and training in a circus, and his eventual adoption by a family, where he navigates the challenges of being viewed as a pet. Dago's narrative highlights his longing for his former home and showcases his humorous observations about human behavior and the dynamics of the household. As he recounts his trials and mishaps, the reader is drawn into a whimsical and heartfelt tale that illustrates the complexities of belonging and friendship. This opening sets the stage for Dago's evolving relationship with the family and their struggles as they cope with personal loss.

Howard Roger Garis

Jacko and Jumpo Kinkytail (The Funny Monkey Boys)

"Jacko and Jumpo Kinkytail (The Funny Monkey Boys)" by Howard Roger Garis is a collection of children's stories written in the early 20th century. The book centers around two mischievous monkey brothers, Jacko, the red monkey, and Jumpo, the green monkey, as they embark on various adventures filled with humor and whimsical exploits. These tales are designed to entertain young readers, featuring engaging characters and settings that capture the essence of childhood curiosity and playfulness. The opening of the book introduces the two monkey boys and their whimsical family dynamics. Jacko and Jumpo live in a treehouse in the woods with their parents, and as the story begins, they are awakened by the ringing of a school bell, signaling the start of a new school year. The monkeys display their playful and curious personalities, especially Jumpo, who quickly gets into trouble during class with his antics. The narrative captures the charm of childhood exploration as the brothers navigate their school day and encounter challenges, hinting at the misadventures that will follow in their charmingly humorous world.

Madeline Leslie

Minnie's Pet Monkey

"Minnie's Pet Monkey" by Madeline Leslie is a children's book, likely written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Minnie and her adventures with her pet monkey, Jacko. The book is a charming exploration of childhood innocence, curiosity, and the playful yet mischievous nature of animals. The narrative follows Minnie as she interacts with Jacko, describing his antics, personality, and the trials that come with owning a pet monkey. From his arrival on a ship to his lively behavior in the Lee household, Jacko often finds himself in troublesome situations, whether causing funny chaos in the kitchen or sparking delightful moments of laughter and concern from Minnie's family. Through their playful experiences, the story captures the bond between a child and her pet, emphasizing themes of companionship, the responsibilities of pet ownership, and the unexpected challenges that arise from a monkey's spirited and unpredictable character.

Henry Drummond

The monkey that would not kill

"The Monkey That Would Not Kill" by Henry Drummond is a children's narrative published in the early 20th century, around the 1910s, though its original copyright dates back to the late 1890s. This whimsical tale revolves around a mischievous monkey named Tricky, who seems to possess an uncanny ability to evade death and bring chaos wherever he goes. The book combines elements of adventure and humor, making it an entertaining read for young audiences. The story follows the antics of Tricky, who is adopted by a missionary after being rescued from a rough life. Despite his initial trouble-making ways, such as causing havoc in the household and on a ship, Tricky survives various attempts at his life, including hanging, drowning, and being shot at. Each time, he narrowly escapes, much to the frustration of his would-be executioners. Ultimately, the story weaves in themes of friendship and loyalty, as Tricky breaks into a shepherd’s life, leading to unexpected adventures, including rescuing the family from a house fire. The narrative humorously concludes with Tricky living happily as a lighthouse keeper's pet, proving that he truly won't kill and will protect those around him.

Helen Bannerman

The Story of the Teasing Monkey

"The Story of the Teasing Monkey" by Helen Bannerman is a children's tale written in the early 20th century. This delightful story features a mischievous little monkey named Jacko who enjoys teasing the animals around him, leading to various escapades. The book revolves around themes of teasing and the consequences that arise from it, making it a playful yet cautionary tale for young readers. The narrative focuses on Jacko the monkey, who lives in a banyan tree and enjoys pulling the tails of other jungle creatures, including a fierce lion and lioness. After his antics draw the ire of the lions, they conspire with a bear to capture Jacko. Ultimately, Jacko finds himself imprisoned but cleverly manages to outwit his captors by making himself appear large and fat. In a frantic escape, he avoids being eaten, leading to a comedic conclusion where the lion, lioness, and bear are left without their intended meal, forced to settle for bananas instead. This charming story emphasizes the importance of cleverness and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity.

Arthur Scott Bailey

The Tale of Major Monkey

"The Tale of Major Monkey" by Arthur Scott Bailey is a children's storybook written in the early 20th century. This whimsical tale features a character named Major Monkey, who, with his cap and colorful military uniform, brings an adventurous spirit to the animal inhabitants of Pleasant Valley. The book explores themes of friendship, mischief, and the consequences of trickery in a lighthearted manner, suitable for young readers. In the story, Major Monkey arrives in Pleasant Valley amidst a flurry of gossip and curiosity among the local wildlife. He soon organizes an "army" of forest creatures, promising them exciting adventures and the thrill of battle against intruders. However, as the tale unfolds, Major Monkey's antics—ranging from mischievous stone-throwing to stealing bird eggs—lead to various conflicts and comedic situations. Eventually, Major Monkey finds himself caught in a predicament that leads to a reunion with his original owner, the organ-grinder, hinting at further adventures. The charming illustrations and playful narrative make this a delightful read for children, emphasizing the importance of honesty and camaraderie among friends.

Richard Barnum

Mappo, the Merry Monkey: His Many Adventures

"Mappo, the Merry Monkey: His Many Adventures" by Richard Barnum is a children's fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. The story follows the escapades of Mappo, a clever and playful monkey living in the jungle, highlighting his adventurous spirit and encounters with various animals, including a tiger and his eventual capture by humans. The opening of the book introduces readers to Mappo, a little monkey who lives with his family in a tree. Mappo is characterized as the brightest and most mischievous of the family, often concocting tricks and games with his siblings. The plot kicks into gear when a tiger threatens the monkey family, prompting them to stay safely in the trees. Mappo's curiosity leads him to a series of adventures, starting with attempts to open a coconut under the watchful gaze of his mother and stirring up mischief with his brothers and sisters. The story sets a whimsical tone filled with playful interactions and a cautionary tale about safety in the wild, all while establishing Mappo's charming personality.

Howard Roger Garis

The Curlytops and Their Pets; Or, Uncle Toby's Strange Collection

"The Curlytops and Their Pets; Or, Uncle Toby's Strange Collection" by Howard R. Garis is a children's adventure story written in the early 20th century. The book follows the escapades of the Curlytop siblings—Teddy, Janet, and their younger brother William, affectionately known as Trouble—who venture to their great-uncle Toby’s house where they encounter an unexpected collection of pets, including trick dogs, a monkey, a parrot, and even an alligator. This lively narrative appeals to young readers with its delightful exploration of family, imagination, and the sometimes chaotic interactions between children and animals. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the Curlytops as they play on the banks of a brook, engaging in imaginative games with their toy ships. The tranquil playtime is interrupted when they receive a letter from their Uncle Toby announcing that he has gone away and left his peculiar collection of pets for them to take care of. As their adventure unfolds, the children navigate the chaos of their new responsibilities, including Trouble's antics, the excitement of caring for various animals, and the peculiar circumstances that arise with Uncle Toby's "collection." The opening chapters lay a foundation for the adventures that await the Curlytops, suggesting a tale filled with humor and excitement that will engage young readers.

Henry Drummond

Apina, joka ei ottanut kuollakseen : $b kertomuksia

"Apina, joka ei ottanut kuollakseen: kertomuksia" by Henry Drummond is a collection of whimsical tales written in the early 20th century. The book centers around an extraordinary monkey named Vekkuli who possesses an uncanny ability to survive numerous attempts on his life, creating a series of comedic and engaging adventures that explore themes of resilience, friendship, and the absurdity of life. The narrative follows Vekkuli from his chaotic beginnings as a troublemaking pet in a missionary's home to his unexpected rise to prominence on a ship called the Vulcan. Through a series of misadventures, including being hanged and thrown overboard yet surviving each ordeal, Vekkuli captures the hearts of the crew and becomes a legendary figure. Eventually, he encounters a shepherd on a remote island, further exploring the quirky dynamics between humans and animals. The book weaves together humor and moral lessons while showcasing the enduring spirit of an indomitable monkey, making it a delightful read for those who enjoy lighthearted storytelling.

Carlo Collodi

Beppo : $b or, The little rose-colored monkey

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