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Spunky Little Monkey
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2017)Sleepy little monkey won't get out of bed.
Mama called the Doctor and the Doctor said:
"Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Gooseberry Pies --
Monkey needs some exercise!"
Sleepy little monkeys everywhere will clap, stomp, shake, and cheer -- while chanting this rhythmic, energetic dance song based on a popular playground game. And as they move their heads, hands, hips, and feet -- everyone will be bursting with clapping energy -- and ready to start a new day!
With humor, high energy, and Bill Martin Jr's trademark rhythm and rhyme, young readers will learn to name parts of the body. And the book makes a perfect exercise warm-up to start off a busy day of school!
Mama called the Doctor and the Doctor said:
"Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Gooseberry Pies --
Monkey needs some exercise!"
Sleepy little monkeys everywhere will clap, stomp, shake, and cheer -- while chanting this rhythmic, energetic dance song based on a popular playground game. And as they move their heads, hands, hips, and feet -- everyone will be bursting with clapping energy -- and ready to start a new day!
With humor, high energy, and Bill Martin Jr's trademark rhythm and rhyme, young readers will learn to name parts of the body. And the book makes a perfect exercise warm-up to start off a busy day of school!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 3, 2017
11 people are currently reading
1287 people want to read
About the author
Bill Martin Jr.
197 books373 followersBill Martin, Jr. (1916-2004) was an elementary-school principal, teacher, writer, and poet. His more than 300 books, among them the bestselling classics
Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See
;
Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear
;
Panda Bear Panda Bear What Do You See
; and
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
, are a testament to his ability to speak directly to children. Martin held a doctoral degree in early childhood education. Born in Kansas, he worked as an elementary-school principal in Chicago before moving to New York City, where he worked in publishing, developing innovative reading programs for schools. After several years, he devoted himself full-time to writing his children's books. He lived in New York until 1993, when he moved to Texas. He lived in the east Texas woods, near the town of Commerce, until he passed away in 2004.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/billma...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/billma...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
November 6, 2017
Each year my family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books, and we have been doing this for years. Everyone rates each book and adds a comment and it may (or may not) affect my overall rating. This is book #3 of 2017.
Tara: 2 stars. I liked the variation on "Mama called the doctor," but that was it.
Harry (12): 2 stars. I like how he creates a band.
Hank (11): 2.5 stars. I didn't like how it repeated things over and over, but I liked the art, and I got the rhythm.
Lyra (10): 2 stars. It was cute and I liked the onomatopoeia.
Dave: 2.5 stars. Bil Martin became known for Chicka Boom and other rhythm pieces that could be performed, and this is another one along those lines. Fun and colorful for the youngest readers, to get active with.
Tara: 2 stars. I liked the variation on "Mama called the doctor," but that was it.
Harry (12): 2 stars. I like how he creates a band.
Hank (11): 2.5 stars. I didn't like how it repeated things over and over, but I liked the art, and I got the rhythm.
Lyra (10): 2 stars. It was cute and I liked the onomatopoeia.
Dave: 2.5 stars. Bil Martin became known for Chicka Boom and other rhythm pieces that could be performed, and this is another one along those lines. Fun and colorful for the youngest readers, to get active with.
December 19, 2016
I LOVE this book. I love the idea of this book. And I love the idea of reading this book in story time. Such happiness. :)
December 19, 2016
A fun book to energize any young reader.
Monkey doesn't want to get out of bed. He's like just about every child (and adult) in the morning. But waking up is important so his mom calls the doctor to figure out what to do. He has just the thing. This starts him off on a chant of sorts with instructions along the way. The monkey has to do things like clap his hands, stomp his feet, and shake - all in the name of exercise.
This book is fantastic because it gets the kids involved in more than just listening to the story. Every move the monkey has to make is repeated so kids can get up and join in. It's the kind of book they'll have memorized in no time, singing "rutabaga, rutabaga" as they play.
I don't recommend reading this before bedtime, because you won't get them to sleep. They'll want to be up and doing the dance. Good luck calming them down after that. No, this is much better as a tool to energize that kid who seems sluggish and tired during the day. Get them off the couch and stomping their feet.
Spunky Little Monkey is an energetic and fun read with adorable images that kids will fall in love with easily, making them want to get up and moving more often.
Monkey doesn't want to get out of bed. He's like just about every child (and adult) in the morning. But waking up is important so his mom calls the doctor to figure out what to do. He has just the thing. This starts him off on a chant of sorts with instructions along the way. The monkey has to do things like clap his hands, stomp his feet, and shake - all in the name of exercise.
This book is fantastic because it gets the kids involved in more than just listening to the story. Every move the monkey has to make is repeated so kids can get up and join in. It's the kind of book they'll have memorized in no time, singing "rutabaga, rutabaga" as they play.
I don't recommend reading this before bedtime, because you won't get them to sleep. They'll want to be up and doing the dance. Good luck calming them down after that. No, this is much better as a tool to energize that kid who seems sluggish and tired during the day. Get them off the couch and stomping their feet.
Spunky Little Monkey is an energetic and fun read with adorable images that kids will fall in love with easily, making them want to get up and moving more often.
January 6, 2017
Great for movement -- and a great wiggle book for storytime!!
February 4, 2017
Such a fun book to use in a group setting , you can have them do the motions with you.
June 24, 2019
It is hard to get up in the morning sometimes...even if you're a spunky little monkey. Never fear, exercise is the order of the day and this book leads us through a variety of exercises that will have little ones and their caretakers clapping, stomping and shaking. Both authors are literacy experts and it shows in the pacing, rhymes and overall feel of the book. This is definitely a must have in one's storytime repertoire.
Find Spunky Little Monkey at Westminster Public Library today
Find Spunky Little Monkey at Westminster Public Library today
June 29, 2017
everyone liked this book. Norah loves books that are easy to memorize so she can "Read" them to herself later and this works well for that. cute and catchy
January 18, 2019
Very cute and fun. Featured in a dance themed story time I attended with my 2 year old!
November 7, 2017
I didn't care for this one much. I feel like it could be fun in a storytime setting, or with a large group of kids who all could mimic the actions of the monkey, but just as a story to read to one, or read solo, I didn't care for it.
December 26, 2019
Cute, fun, simple picture book of a Monkey who has trouble getting out of bed. When Mama calls the Doctor, he says Monkey needs some exercise.
March 17, 2017
Definitely going to use this one in storytime.
March 13, 2017
Monkey gets out of bed with some rhythm to help him wake up and be ready to tackle the day.
A great active read for spunky little monkeys out there. Kids will quickly catch onto the pattern of the story and can do the actions along with monkey. The vibrant illustrations are a sure win with the target age group.
A great active read for spunky little monkeys out there. Kids will quickly catch onto the pattern of the story and can do the actions along with monkey. The vibrant illustrations are a sure win with the target age group.
March 16, 2017
Preschoolers and older readers will relish this fun read aloud intended to encourage audience participation. For those who prefer quieter days and quieter students, it won't be the right choice. But if you want to get your students revved up and ready to move, it will do the trick. When Mama Monkey can't get her little one out of bed, the doctor suggests a lot of exercise, and then everything starts to move. As the action starts, there will be movement of the head, the hands, the feet, and even the hips in this engaging modified version of "Down Down Baby." The movements and sounds are irresistible, and the digital illustrations are filled with vibrant colors that keep readers engaged. Some pages have to be turned so that the images can be read vertically, but no matter how you look at the book, it will bring a smile to faces and plenty of action, especially on the part of those hips. Watch out for all that shaking and stomping, not to mention the smiling that will accompany those actions. This book is the perfect cure for the morning or afternoon doldrums in a classroom, no matter the age.
February 7, 2025
Will be using this fun book in an upcoming storytime for 2s &3s. Love the interactive text, I can feel the beat just from reading. A Martin+Sampson treasure!
---
A storytime favorite! Here's an action poem I use before reading Spunky Little Monkey: (parents are the "you", kids are "monkey")
A little monkey likes to do
Just the same as you and you.
When you stand up very tall,
Monkey stands up very tall.
When you pretend to throw a ball,
Monkey pretends to throw a ball.
When you try to touch your toes,
Monkey tries to touch their toes.
When you move your little nose,
Monkey moves their little nose.
When you give a little roar,
Monkey makes a little roar.
When you sit down on the floor,
Monkey sits down on the floor.
Love Micheal Sampson's note to parents at the end:
Reading is a form of exercise. It exercises the mind. We used rhyme, repetition, and art to help your child read this book. ... Reading is not taught, but caught. This book will help your child catch on to reading!
---
A storytime favorite! Here's an action poem I use before reading Spunky Little Monkey: (parents are the "you", kids are "monkey")
A little monkey likes to do
Just the same as you and you.
When you stand up very tall,
Monkey stands up very tall.
When you pretend to throw a ball,
Monkey pretends to throw a ball.
When you try to touch your toes,
Monkey tries to touch their toes.
When you move your little nose,
Monkey moves their little nose.
When you give a little roar,
Monkey makes a little roar.
When you sit down on the floor,
Monkey sits down on the floor.
Love Micheal Sampson's note to parents at the end:
Reading is a form of exercise. It exercises the mind. We used rhyme, repetition, and art to help your child read this book. ... Reading is not taught, but caught. This book will help your child catch on to reading!
March 5, 2017
Clever rhyme to get children to move and exercise.
Read
September 14, 2019Bill Martin Jr. is masterful when it comes to using movement and rhythm and unique sound words. Just like he did in Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Spunky Little Monkey is full of words that are fun to say and read and create a fun rhythm that makes this a delight to read aloud and will get kids moving and having fun with language. Michael Sampson's adorable monkey illustrations add to the text in delightful ways.
February 4, 2017
A fun audience participation book that will get everyone up and dancing during Storytime.
Monkey feels a little sick, so the Doctor prescribes some exercise!
Vibrant digital illustrations. Great read aloud for Toddlers and PreK.
Monkey feels a little sick, so the Doctor prescribes some exercise!
Vibrant digital illustrations. Great read aloud for Toddlers and PreK.
March 10, 2017
Look forward to trying this one out with the toddler storytime crowd. A great invitation for movement!
June 2, 2021
This rhyming book focuses on not only reading, but physical exercise, and how they both are important in your life. Monkey is having a hard time getting out of bed, and after his mother calls the doctor, the doctor recommends little monkey get some exercise to get ready for his day.
July 31, 2025
Note: I received a galley from the publisher at ALA Midwinter 2017.
February 18, 2017
This book would make a great read-aloud for younger children, especially PreK and toddlers. The words encourage audience participation and movement.
February 23, 2017
Energetic. Will keep kids moving.
February 25, 2017
YES. Impossible to read silently. Impossible to read without bopping your head or twitching the booty. New storytime classic.
August 18, 2017
Fun, interactive, destined to be a favorite read aloud.
July 4, 2017
Bill Martin Jr (of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?) does it again with a new interactive book for spunky toddlers. Spunky Little Monkey is all about rhythm and rhyme, exercise and fun, and getting the body started in the morning.
Little Monkey has difficulty waking and the doctor prescribes exercise:
Rutabaga, Rutabaga
Sis! Boom! Bah!
POP UP, Monkey!
Rah! Rah! RAH!
Through a rhythmic, energetic, dancing song, monkey finds the rhythm in his head, then he finds the rhythm in his hands, then his feet and his hips. When he puts them all together, he feels much better. He gathers together his friends and off they go to play. Perfect book to learn body parts and run off steam. Brian Won illustrates monkey action in a toned down rainbow palette, showing lots of actions; although most kids readers will be dancing, not enjoying the art work!
Originally published on Books4theCuriousChild.com
Little Monkey has difficulty waking and the doctor prescribes exercise:
Rutabaga, Rutabaga
Sis! Boom! Bah!
POP UP, Monkey!
Rah! Rah! RAH!
Through a rhythmic, energetic, dancing song, monkey finds the rhythm in his head, then he finds the rhythm in his hands, then his feet and his hips. When he puts them all together, he feels much better. He gathers together his friends and off they go to play. Perfect book to learn body parts and run off steam. Brian Won illustrates monkey action in a toned down rainbow palette, showing lots of actions; although most kids readers will be dancing, not enjoying the art work!
Originally published on Books4theCuriousChild.com
September 19, 2025
09/18/25 Perfect for a dance/movement storytime! Not only does it have specific moves the kids can do (clap hands, stomp feet, etc.), but the text itself can be sung/chanted. In the information at the end of the book, the author or illustrator (I can't remember which!), states the book was based on the classic "Down Down Baby" rhyme. Using this rhythm, I did a sing-song version of this and I think both groups I read it to enjoyed it. After reading this at one storytime, a little boy said to his mom, "That was a good book!" - rave review, haha!
I recently read an article encouraging more sing-along books in storytimes for engagement and education. Since I already try to incorporate these into my storytimes, this just reinforced my thought that we should be reading books like these and makes me want to search out more of them! https://jbrary.com/why-singable-books...
I recently read an article encouraging more sing-along books in storytimes for engagement and education. Since I already try to incorporate these into my storytimes, this just reinforced my thought that we should be reading books like these and makes me want to search out more of them! https://jbrary.com/why-singable-books...
Read
February 3, 2020Picture Book
Spunky Little Monkey, 2017
When a sleepy little monkey won’t get out of bed, mama calls the doctor. What does the doctor say? “Monkey needs some exercise!” And so, it’s time for all spunky little monkeys to get out of bed and start moving. So, with the rhythm of the words, monkey’s head becomes a bell. He claps his head, stomps his feet, shakes his hips, then puts them all together. Finally, alert and ready for the day, monkey goes out with his friends to play.
Spunky Little Monkey is a feast of colorful pictures mixed with rhythmic chant that encourages little monkeys to jump, clap, stomp, and shake with the rhythm of the words. The bright colors invite children to learn their colors while the pictures are fun and engaging. This book is a wild romp that will get kids shouting “Rutabaga, Rutabaga! Sis! Boom! Bah!”
Spunky Little Monkey, 2017
When a sleepy little monkey won’t get out of bed, mama calls the doctor. What does the doctor say? “Monkey needs some exercise!” And so, it’s time for all spunky little monkeys to get out of bed and start moving. So, with the rhythm of the words, monkey’s head becomes a bell. He claps his head, stomps his feet, shakes his hips, then puts them all together. Finally, alert and ready for the day, monkey goes out with his friends to play.
Spunky Little Monkey is a feast of colorful pictures mixed with rhythmic chant that encourages little monkeys to jump, clap, stomp, and shake with the rhythm of the words. The bright colors invite children to learn their colors while the pictures are fun and engaging. This book is a wild romp that will get kids shouting “Rutabaga, Rutabaga! Sis! Boom! Bah!”
Read
September 15, 2023The Spunky Little Monkey is an interactive book for small children. The little monkey is sick so his mother called the doctor. The doctor says that he needs exercise and lists all of them that he needs to do. Once he does them all, then he is ready for the day and ready to go play.
I liked reading this book because it had a rhythm to it that made it flow smoothly. The book is full of bright colors that draw attention. Overall, it's just a fun and cute book that made me smile.
I can see this book being used in a preschool or kindergarten classroom. When the students need a brain break, you could have them stand as you read this book. The doctor in the story instructs the monkey to do certain things such as clap and stomp. Then, the next page asks if you're doing it. Students would then participate and practice their rhythm.
I liked reading this book because it had a rhythm to it that made it flow smoothly. The book is full of bright colors that draw attention. Overall, it's just a fun and cute book that made me smile.
I can see this book being used in a preschool or kindergarten classroom. When the students need a brain break, you could have them stand as you read this book. The doctor in the story instructs the monkey to do certain things such as clap and stomp. Then, the next page asks if you're doing it. Students would then participate and practice their rhythm.
September 29, 2017
Martin, Bill Jr. and Sampson, Michael Spunky Little Monkey illustrated by Brian Won. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic Press (Scholastic), 2017 $17.99.
Little Monkey is very tired and won't get out of bed. Mama calls the doctor and a fun-filled singing rhyme ensues. This story is similar in the beginning to Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. It teaches and allows the children to follow along with a great rhythm set to actions. By the end of the story Monkey is wide awake and ready to play. It is a perfect repetitive story for preschool and kindergarten aged children.
Pre-K, EL (K-3) --ESSENTIAL Gina, Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Little Monkey is very tired and won't get out of bed. Mama calls the doctor and a fun-filled singing rhyme ensues. This story is similar in the beginning to Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. It teaches and allows the children to follow along with a great rhythm set to actions. By the end of the story Monkey is wide awake and ready to play. It is a perfect repetitive story for preschool and kindergarten aged children.
Pre-K, EL (K-3) --ESSENTIAL Gina, Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
May 11, 2018
Sleepy monkey needs some energy! What better way to get energy than to get MOVING?!
If you need to wake up your kiddos, then bust out this book. Though it is a chant more than a story, students will enjoy moving with the spunky little monkey. No sitting down to listen to this one!
The illustrations are bright and silly and go well with the text. Each body part is clearly shown moving on its featured page (head moving side to side, hands clapping, etc). This allows students to easily 'predict' what the page says.
If you're looking for a new chant to get your students' attention, you might try "Rutabaga, Rutabaga! Sis! Boom! Bah!"
Audience: EC-1
Connections: exercise, movement, body parts, rhyming
If you need to wake up your kiddos, then bust out this book. Though it is a chant more than a story, students will enjoy moving with the spunky little monkey. No sitting down to listen to this one!
The illustrations are bright and silly and go well with the text. Each body part is clearly shown moving on its featured page (head moving side to side, hands clapping, etc). This allows students to easily 'predict' what the page says.
If you're looking for a new chant to get your students' attention, you might try "Rutabaga, Rutabaga! Sis! Boom! Bah!"
Audience: EC-1
Connections: exercise, movement, body parts, rhyming
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews