Book Description

A Chimpanzee Tale is a story told by Hoot the Chimpanzee and written for children, ages five to ten, by Karen Young. The verses rhyme and carry the reader through the book in a fast-paced and entertaining way. The illustrations are intricate, realistic, and match the tone of the book. The first part of the book takes place in the rain forest in Africa and takes the reader on a journey of discovery with wild chimpanzees. It tells about daily life, how they interact with each other and their environment, their physical features, how they forage for food and use tools, nesting habits, the importance of social grooming, and the role of the family and the community in wild chimpanzee life. The second part of the book addresses the lives of captive chimpanzees. It exposes the reader to the many issues related to captivity, but it is told in a sensitive and lighthearted way. It encourages children to reach out and take a stand for something greater than themselves. It shows them that their actions can make a difference. It explains about sanctuary life and why sanctuaries are the best option for captive chimpanzees. It ends on a positive note by showing the reader that chimps can live in a sanctuary with their chimpanzee friends with dignity and with an enriched and understanding environment provided for them by humans. The book ends with Hoot thanking the children for their help. Vocabulary words and web sites add to the educational value of the book. A unique feature is that the reader can meet real chimps by visiting the sanctuary web sites listed in the book.