Books About Apes And Monkeys · 470 titles considered

The Best Apes And Monkeys Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about apes and monkeys? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Apes And Monkeys

Sale price

$1994

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

The One and Only Ivan

By Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The One and Only series

A captive gorilla's world shifts when a baby elephant arrives, challenging his view of home and art.

Newbery Medal (2013)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2013)

304 pages· 25,905 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 216,414 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ivan, a gorilla living in a mall, finds comfort in art and his friends. But when Ruby, a young elephant, arrives, Ivan's perspective on captivity and creativity is transformed. As he grapples with new emotions, Ivan must decide if he can change their world for the better. Can unexpected friendships inspire hope and freedom? Discover a tale of courage and transformation through Ivan's eyes.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1977

More Spaghetti, I Say!

By Rita Golden Gelman, Mort Gerberg (Illustrator)

A monkey's love for spaghetti leads to a tasty dilemma with a friend.

32 pages· 341 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,187 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Minnie the monkey is obsessed with spaghetti, so much that he can't stop eating it, even when his friend wants to play. Can Minnie convince his friend that spaghetti is worth the obsession? This delightful tale, filled with humor and vibrant illustrations, invites young readers to join Minnie's culinary adventure. As Minnie navigates friendship and his love for pasta, children will giggle and learn with this engaging Level 1 reader. Perfect for early readers, this story combines fun with foundational reading skills, making it an ideal choice for preschool to grade 2.

Sale price

$474

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2021

Grumpy Monkey Get Your Grumps Out

By Suzanne Lang, Max Lang (Illustrator) · Grumpy Monkey: Step Into Reading series

A grumpy animal tries to get rid of his grumpiness with the help of his friends.

32 pages· 335 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.9/5 Goodreads · 198 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Jim Panzee, the grumpy monkey, decides it's time for a change. He enlists his jungle friends to help him get rid of his grumpiness by making him mad. But when his friend Norman reminds him that it's okay to be himself, Jim must decide if he can accept his grumpy side. Will Jim find peace with who he truly is, or will he continue his quest for a new self? This delightful tale, with easy-to-read words and vibrant illustrations, invites young readers to explore the importance of self-acceptance and the joy of being true to oneself.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

Warning: Do Not Open This Book!

By Adam Lehrhaupt, Matthew Forsythe (Illustrator) · Warning: Do Not Open This Book! series

Open this book at your own risk—chaos and laughter await inside.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2014)

40 pages

6.1/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,824 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Dare to defy the warnings and open a book filled with monkeys, toucans, and unexpected hilarity. As you turn the pages, madness unfolds, challenging you to resist the wild adventure within. Will you heed the caution or embrace the chaos? This interactive journey promises endless fun and surprises, urging readers to dive into its quirky world again and again. Are you ready to take the plunge?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2018

The Inventors at No. 8

By A. M. Morgen · Book #1 in the The Inventors at No. 8 series

A boy's luck changes when a girl and a flying machine lead him on a quest for a stolen treasure.

352 pages· 60,679 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 265 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: George, the unluckiest boy in London, faces losing everything. When a priceless map is stolen, Ada Byron, a brilliant inventor, offers her help. Together, they embark on a daring aerial adventure with a mischievous orangutan and a pirate's son. Can they reclaim George's legacy and find Ada's father, or will the skies hold more secrets than they imagined?

Sale price

$1140

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2007

Great Joy

By Kate DiCamillo, Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator)

A girl finds unexpected inspiration from a mysterious organ grinder at Christmas.

32 pages· 714 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,467 ratings

$12.00Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: As Christmas nears, young Frances is captivated by an organ grinder and his monkey outside her window. Their presence haunts her thoughts, especially during the Christmas pageant. When it's her turn to speak, she struggles with the organ grinder's sad eyes in her mind. Just as hope seems lost, a door opens, revealing the perfect words she needs. Discover how a simple encounter transforms Frances's holiday in this heartwarming tale of compassion and unexpected connections.

Sale price

$1139

Picture Book · Ages 5–6 · 2016

Gorilla Loves Vanilla

By Chae Strathie, Nicola O'Byrne (Illustrator)

Can Sam Sundae satisfy a gorilla's unexpected ice cream request?

32 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 247 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: At Sam's Sundaes, five animals order bizarre ice cream flavors, from stinky cheese to muddy delights. Just when Sam thinks he's seen it all, a gorilla enters with a surprising request. Can Sam whip up the perfect treat for this unexpected customer? Discover the hilarity and creativity that ensues in this whimsical tale of ice cream dreams and unexpected surprises.

Sale price

$1895

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2015

Mad About Monkeys

By Owen Davey · About Animals series

Explore the fascinating world of monkeys, from tiny marmosets to mighty mandrills.

40 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 254 ratings

$19.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into the vibrant world of monkeys, where over 250 species swing through trees and engage in playful antics. From the tiny Pygmy Marmoset to the formidable Mandrill, uncover the secrets of their habitats, behaviors, and social dynamics. What makes these creatures so captivating? Discover the answers in this beautifully illustrated journey through the lives of our primate cousins. Whether you're curious about their origins or intrigued by their playful nature, this book promises to leave you raving mad about monkeys!

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone

By Gideon Sterer, Emily Hughes (Illustrator)

A shy child calls a gorilla on a banana phone. What happens next?

48 pages· 374 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 408 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: A shy child dares to dial a banana phone, connecting with an unexpected friend—a gorilla. As they navigate this whimsical conversation, secrets and questions unfold, revealing the magic of reaching out. What surprises await in this delightful tale of friendship from unexpected places? Discover the joy and wisdom in making a call that changes everything.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2014

The Murderer's Ape

A silent gorilla must clear her friend's name in a dangerous world of secrets.

612 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,306 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Sally Jones, a remarkable gorilla, faces a daunting challenge when her friend, the Chief, is wrongly accused of murder. As they navigate a world of deceit, Sally must unravel a web of secrets to prove his innocence. With powerful adversaries determined to keep the truth hidden, Sally's journey is fraught with danger and intrigue. Can she outsmart those who wish to silence her and save her friend? This gripping adventure tests the limits of loyalty and courage in a world where appearances can be deceiving.

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Ages 2–5 · 2016

A monkey explores the zoo at night, discovering opposites in every corner.

Sale price

$899

Good Night, Gorilla

Ages 0–2 · 1994

Zoo animals escape at bedtime. Who's behind it all?

Series

Sale price

$1099

That's Not My Monkey...

Ages 0–3 · 2008

Can you find the right monkey by touch alone?

Series

Sale price

$999

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Ages 0–3 · 1989

Five monkeys jump on the bed, but chaos ensues as they fall and bump their heads.

Series

Sale price

$999

Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed

Ages 0–3 · 2007

Five little monkeys resist bedtime, leading to a surprising discovery about Mama.

Sale price

$799

Curious George Good Night Book

Ages 0–3 · 2007

Can George wind down for bedtime amidst playful distractions?

View all apes and monkeys board books

Browse by age

Apes And Monkeys Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about apes and monkeys for developing and independent readers.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Bunny vs Monkey

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A crash-landing monkey claims a forest, sparking a wild showdown with a clever bunny.

Sale price

$1699

Curious George's 5-Minute Stories

Ages 4–7 · 2013

Join George on quick, exciting adventures perfect for curious minds.

Series

Sale price

$1299

New Adventures of Curious George

Ages 4–7 · 1999

Join a mischievous monkey on eight delightful adventures full of surprises.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$1699

Blood on the Plains

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Three animals must stop a serpent's venom from corrupting Bravelands.

Series

Sale price

$699

The Story of Jane Goodall

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A young nature lover becomes the world's leading chimpanzee expert, challenging norms and saving wildlife.

#3 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

Book Three

Ages 7–10 · 2016

Chaos erupts as Bunny and Monkey face off with wild inventions and unexpected visitors in the woods.

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

Book Two

Ages 7–10 · 2015

Chaos erupts as Bunny and Monkey clash in a wild forest showdown with lasers and gadgets.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

Bunny vs. Monkey

Ages 7–10 · 2014

A mischievous monkey wreaks havoc in the woods, causing chaos and destruction wherever he goes.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Lost Gold

Ages 7–10 · 2013

Princess battles treasure hunters to save her rain forest.

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Is Jane Goodall?

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A young girl grows up to become a renowned scientist studying chimpanzees in Africa

#12 in Series

Sale price

$899

Thea Stilton and the Prince's Emerald

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A group of mice travel to India to help their friend Ashvin with a problem involving monkeys and a stolen emerald.

#4 in Series

Sale price

$999

Shifting Shadows

Ages 10–13 · 2019

A mysterious threat endangers Bravelands. Can the Great Herd unite to save their world?

View all apes and monkeys chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about animal welfare Books about feelings and emotions Books about self-acceptance Books about spaghetti Books about the zoo

Our 10 Favorite Books About Apes And Monkeys

Great books, picked for their age.

Apes And Monkeys Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Apes And Monkeys Picture Books

Apes And Monkeys Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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