The Farmer and the Monkey
#2 of 3 in The Farmer Books Series
on Goodreads (248)
What’s inside...
The farmer has another unexpected visitor from the nearby circus in this humorous and tender follow-up to The Farmer and the Clown by two-time Caldecott Honor–winning Marla Frazee. After his new friend the baby clown returned home to the circus train, the farmer expected to resume his quiet and solitary life. Little does he know a playful circus monkey has followed him home! At first, the farmer isn’t sure what to make of his excitable houseguest’s wild sense of fun, but he soon learns that sometimes an unexpected visit can lead to a wonderful new friendship. Sweet, funny, and full of emotion, this wordless second book in Marla Frazee’s stunning trilogy is sure to become a classic favorite for young readers.
Character compass
The Farmer
The Monkey
Discussion points
How do you think the farmer felt when he first saw the monkey?
What are some ways the monkey and the farmer helped each other?
Why is it important to be kind to someone who is different from us?
What would you have done if you were the farmer?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend who was very different from you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to describe the characters and setting to build familiarity with the story.
Encourage your child to empathize with the characters by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Highlight the themes of kindness and friendship by discussing real-life applications of these values.
Use expressive reading, altering your voice for different characters, to make the story more engaging and enjoyable.
After discussing the questions, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or to write a short story about what happens next.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Farmer and the Monkey,' the farmer displays kindness and patience as he tries to help the lost monkey find its way home. The interactions model understanding and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, which can help them develop stronger friendships and social skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The farmer takes it upon himself to care for the monkey, showcasing a great sense of responsibility throughout their journey together.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of taking responsibility for others' wellbeing, as well as being reliable and trustworthy.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The story presents various challenges that the farmer and the monkey must overcome, illustrating the need to adapt to unexpected situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be flexible and adaptive when faced with new challenges or changes in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the obstacles and the journey's length, the farmer persists in his quest to help the monkey, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the value of persisting in achieving their goals, despite difficulties or delays.