Going Ape for Reading: 11 Great Gorilla Books
by Devon A. Corneal
Sure, chimps are cute and orangutans can swing, but when you want a serious primate, only gorillas will do. Intelligent, social, powerful, and endangered, these giant apes are among the most incredible creatures on the planet. They also make excellent characters for children’s books. Check out these stories in which gentle giants deliver pizza, make new friends, ride the subway, and even solve crimes.
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Good Night, Gorilla
Available from:Bedtime at the zoo should be a breeze, but the night watchman is about to find out what happens when a gorilla steals his keys and shakes up the usual routine.
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Little Beauty
Available from:Anthony Browne creates yet another amazing story about a gorilla, this one based on the true story of one who learned to sign. The unlikely friendship between a gorilla and a small white cat will astonish you and make you rethink what friendship is all about.
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Little Gorilla
Originally published in 1976, this classic is as lovely today as it was nearly forty years ago. Little Gorilla starts out little, but he doesn’t stay that way for long. Small children will love watching this tiny baby grow, and grow, and grow.
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Murilla Gorilla: Jungle Detective
Early readers have a new detective to love now that Murilla Gorilla is on the case. She may be messy and disorganized and hungry, but she won’t give up until she finds Ms. Chimpanzee’s missing muffins.
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Ding Dong! Gorilla!
You know how sometimes you order a pizza and a gorilla shows up on your doorstep instead? That’s never happened to me either, but now I wonder what would happen if it did.
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Gorillas in Our Midst
You may not know this, but gorillas are really good at disguises. They may even be riding the subway with you right now. Freaky, huh? They’re so clever the only way you’ll know if they’re around is if your supermarket is out of bananas. This new story will have you looking for gorillas around every corner.
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Look!
Available from:Sometimes the simplest books are the best, and this new addition to the gorilla oeuvre uses only two words — “look” and “out” — to explore the friendship between a television-loving boy and an attention-seeking primate. You’ll love the bright pictures and amusing antics of this exuberant gorilla.
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The One and Only Ivan
Inspired by the true story of a gorilla who lived for nearly three decades in a glass enclosure at a shopping mall, The One and Only Ivan is a poignant commentary on what it means to remove wild animals from their natural habitats. It’s also a lovely story of friendship, art, and the hope we all have for a better life. Note: This one is best suited for readers ages 8 - 12.
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Magic Tree House #26: Good Morning, Gorillas
Available from:The Magic Tree House has sent Jack and Annie on another adventure — this time to Africa to spend time with the mountain gorillas of the continent. Animal-loving elementary readers will be captivated as Jack and Annie discover how gentle and fearsome their new friends are.
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The Escape of Marvin the Ape
Available from:Marvin has escaped from the zoo and he may never go back. The zoo pales in comparison to the kinetic energy of the city with its sporting events, restaurants, and museums. Kids familiar with New York City will love spotting familiar places, but everyone will enjoy the gorgeous illustrations and sense of adventure this one gorilla has.
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