There Were Monkeys In My Kitchen
What’s inside...
In 'There Were Monkeys In My Kitchen' by Sheree Fitch, readers follow a young heroine who wakes up to find her home overrun by chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. The story unfolds in a playful, rhyming narrative as the monkeys create chaos in the kitchen, using utensils and causing a mess. Despite the heroine’s efforts to restore order, the 'baboon catastrophe' continues until official help arrives. The book features vibrant illustrations that complement the lively text, providing an engaging and entertaining reading experience for young children. It also subtly encourages kids to think about the importance of keeping order and handling unexpected situations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the monkeys’ behavior in the kitchen? How would you feel if there were monkeys in our kitchen?
Why do you think the author chose monkeys to cause mischief? What other animals do you think could have been in the story?
Can you think of a time when you made a big mess? What happened and how did you clean it up?
What do you think is the most important lesson from the story? Why?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different room, like the living room or your bedroom?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and express their thoughts freely without worrying about right or wrong answers. Use expressive gestures and changes in tone to make the discussion lively and engaging. Relate the situations in the book to real-life scenarios in your own household to make the conversation more relatable. Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and understanding. Lastly, appreciate their viewpoints and insights which helps in boosting their confidence and interest in storytelling and reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of order and responsibility
Explanation: The chaos of monkeys taking over the kitchen in the story serves as a metaphor for what can happen when things aren't kept in order.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep their own spaces tidy and understand the importance of taking care of their belongings to prevent disorder.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The whimsical and fantastical idea of monkeys in a kitchen sparks imagination and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use their imagination in play and everyday problem-solving, enhancing their creative abilities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The story shows that there are consequences for not maintaining order, highlighted by the mayhem caused by the monkeys.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that their actions, such as not putting things away, can lead to undesirable outcomes.
Example Lesson: Resolving problems
Explanation: As the character deals with the monkeys, methods of resolving unusual and challenging situations are modeled.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and develop problem-solving skills when they face challenges in real life.
Example Lesson: Joy of reading
Explanation: The engaging and fun narrative of the book itself promotes the joy of reading.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to read more, discovering the pleasure and educational benefits reading brings.