Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India

Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India retells a classic tale from India in which a quick-witted monkey outsmarts a hungry crocodile who has been sent by his jealous wife to trick the monkey into offering his heart. Using humor, cleverness, and quick thinking, Monkey wins the day — and the crocodile goes home empty-handed.

Caldecott Medalist Gerald McDermott's lushly saturated illustrations bring the palm-fringed riverbanks of India to vivid, textured life. This is a delightful choice for students because it introduces the rich trickster tale tradition of India with humor and visual energy, sparking discussions about cleverness vs. brute force and making it a perfect companion to units on world folklore and cultural storytelling.

Publishing Details

Author : Gerald McDermott

Illustrator : Gerald McDermott

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture Book

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 32

Size: 11.4 x 9.4 inches

Year Published: 2014

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: Kindergarten

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Traditional Literature

Theme: Fables & Folktales, Animals, Humor, Culture, Asian American