The Monkey and the Crocodile
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Witty the monkey and Walter the crocodile become friends, but when Walter's wife finds out she insists on having the monkey's heart for dinner, and it takes all Witty's cleverness to escape.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Monkey
Crocodile
The Crocodile’S Wife
Discussion points
Why do you think the monkey trusted the crocodile?
What lesson did the crocodile learn by the end of the story?
How do you think the story would have changed if the monkey didn't help the crocodile?
What would you do if you were in the monkey's place when asked to visit the crocodile’s home?
How can we apply the lessons from this story in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the characters' actions and their consequences. Use the questions to guide a conversation that explores themes of trust, friendship, and wisdom. Highlight the moral of the story and relate it to real-life scenarios your child might encounter. This approach not only enriches their understanding but also enhances their ability to apply the lessons learned in their own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Wisdom Over Strength
Explanation: In the story, the monkey uses his cleverness to outwit the stronger crocodile, who intended to harm him.
Real-World Application: Children learn that intelligence and quick thinking can solve problems more effectively than brute force.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The monkey initially befriends the crocodile, but the relationship is tested. The story highlights how true friendship is based on trust and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to choose their friends wisely and be aware of the intentions of others.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Deception
Explanation: The crocodile's wife deceives him into betraying the monkey, leading to negative outcomes for the crocodile.
Real-World Application: Children see the repercussions of deceit and learn the importance of honesty in maintaining trust in relationships.
Example Lesson: Thinking Creatively in Difficult Situations
Explanation: The monkey's imaginative solution to escape from the crocodile emphasizes the power of creative thinking when faced with danger.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to navigate challenging situations in life.