Good Night, Monkey Boy

The protagonist of this story is actually human, but at heart (and in costume) he's Monkey Boy. Sooner or later, bedtime arrives for all youngsters, primate or other, but this mischievous redhead will do everything in his power to forestall the moment. He snitches bananas, attempts to use his paste-coated toothbrush on his hair, and swings from the shower rod before being marched into bed by his mother. Mom appears only as a shadow, scolding finger, or lower torso, although it is her perspective and voice we experience: "Monkey Boy, get down from there!" Ultimately, our hero prevails, sneaking a flashlight and yet another banana under the bedcovers.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka's first picture book captures a familiar occurrence in most households with children: the bedtime struggle. Monkey Boy is obsessed with his monkey persona--although no doubt he'll eventually progress into the next natural phase, perhaps Super Boy with a cape or Dinosaur Boy. Whatever his fixation, if he's like most kids, he'll use it to the utmost advantage in order to defend his right to stay up all night, snacking and watching TV. As in David Shannon's No, David!, the mother is an ambiguous figure of power. She looms mysteriously and is capable of tormenting the momentarily vulnerable Monkey Boy: "Of course I'll read you a story... " Her son looks sweetly hopeful. "...after you put these toys away!" Monkey Boy is crestfallen. If there were a sound track, we might hear cruel, maniacal laughter now. Still, before her final admonition to go to sleep, Mom tells her son she loves him, too. (Ages 3 to 5) --Emilie Coulter