Summer of the Monkeys

 

How would you try to catch those sneaky monkeys? 

Michael (8): "I would put a banana on the ground, and then put a trap on a tree above the banana. Then when the monkey comes, the trap falls down." 

Daniel (8): "I would make a trail of crumbs. I'd be hiding in the bushes somewhere watching the monkeys go in a line, one by one, eating the crumbs. Once the last monkey was by me, I'd grab a long net fishing pole and launch it where Jimbo is, at the front of the line. A net would go over all of them, and there would be a net at the end. I'd catch all of them." 

Evy (10): "Well, I'd definitely do something like bananas in a trap." 

Mom's Notes: We (re)read this book in anticipation of hopefully encountering some monkeys on our upcoming trip to Costa Rica. It was a riot to read about Jay Berry's dealings with the mischievous monkeys. (The buddies laughed out loud throughout the book!) We also loved the doggy behavior of Rowdy, since we can now relate with Clay, who was snuggled up with us during readings. We were touched, grateful, and relieved when Jay Berry was finally inspired to help his sister. Learning of both of their wishes in the fairy ring was beautiful, especially when read among siblings. We finished the last three chapters in Costa Rica, reading about the beloved pony the night before we went horseback riding through the hills of lovely Monteverde. We DID have several monkey encounters - the first one during breakfast at Stella's when several Capuchin monkeys visited the outdoor dining area to snatch some leftovers. It was highly entertaining and unforgettable! Just like this story.