| Reviews
“Again, read it to me again.” Those were the words that my three-year-old grandson spoke as soon as I finished reading Monkey and the Engineer to him for the first time. But even that wasn’t enough! “One more time,” he said over and over until his eyes finally closed, giving way to a much-needed nap. This delightful children’s book is based upon lyrics originally written by the late Jesse Fuller, a blues musician and folk artist. Music lovers of all ages will enjoy seeing the original sheet music and reading Fuller’s biography at the end of the book.
The colorful, beautiful, and rich art work is striking; the illustrations will, without a doubt, attract and hold the attention of children. Their imaginations will take delight in the antics of the monkey who pulls the throttle on the southbound locomotive when the engineer is off of the train, eating a bite under a tree. The monkey, who usually sat on a stool watching the engineer, had apparently paid very close attention to the operation. However, smart as he was, the monkey did not know there was a northbound train on the same main line. Thanks to the quick actions of the switch operator, a collision is avoided.
The words from the lyrics are easy to read for older children, but all ages will enjoy the incredible detail of the pictures. As a former publisher, I can truly say this is some of the best art work I have ever seen in a children’s picture book. Although Monkey and the Engineer is recommended for children between two and six years of age, I suggest that parents and caregivers not allow themselves be hemmed in too tightly by this suggested age group. A budding nine-year-old artist might value the book for its dramatic illustrations, and young musicians might enjoy looking at the sheet music or hearing the original Monkey and the Engineer song by clicking on the link that is provided by the publisher. Consider this a “must have” book to add to your children’s library.
Bettie Corbin Tucker
For IP Book Reviewers
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"The drawings are charming and warm. My wife, a kindergarten teacher and a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Art, approves of this book as both a teacher and an artist."
-David Gans, the Grateful Dead Hour and Dead to the World.
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I highly recommend this great children's book... With beautiful original artwork, this book brings alive the lyrics to the classic Jesse Fuller song "Monkey and the Engineer" (which I know best from the version performed by the Grateful Dead). I urge you to check it out and, if you like it, to pass it along to others you know who have young children (or who are about to have young children, or who have young children in their lives, etc.).
-Rand Levin, Universal Motown Records
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Terrific children's book, January 8, 2008
Tim Bigby
This is a very cool concept, and excellent execution. Grateful Dead fans will know the lyrics, originally by a blues musician and folk artist named Jesse Fuller. Fuller tells the story of a locomotive taken over by a monkey, and the panic that ensues as he drives the train across the countryside.
The illustrations are subtle--I've spotted new little touches and jokes even after repeated readings--and nicely complement the spare verse.
The story is slightly abstract, in the really good sense of that word--the one that three-year-olds completely understand and respond to. This book has been a huge hit with my Thomas the Tank Engine-obsessed son.
I highly recommend this picture book, especially for kids who love trains.
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A Fantastic New Children's Book, January 10, 2008
J. Reeder, Big Island, HI
I have six nieces and nephews, so I'm always looking for terrific books to read to them. I was pleasantly surprised to discover an additional fan of Monkey and the Engineer: my husband. When he saw the book's title, he got very excited and sang the song as I turned the pages. What a hoot!
The lyrics, about an engineer's pet monkey running off with the train, are so silly and lend themselves to some classic pictures - the one of the engineer's "worried mind" is hilarious! And the monkey really looks competent in parts, which had me chuckling. The book includes an online link to Fuller singing his song with a harmonica, a nice touch.
I'd recommend this book not only to fans of folk music or The Grateful Dead, but to anyone looking for a fun book to make your loved ones (and yourself) smile. Let this inspiration move you brightly!
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From the Mouths of Babes, January 5, 2008
Leon Scott Baxter, Santa Barbara, Ca
When I first got "Monkey and the Engineer" my two girls (4 and 8) couldn't wait to hear/read the book, because the cover and illustrations were so full and rich. What I loved about the book was that it was based on lyrics from Jesse Fuller's song. Bringing the book together with the actual song (link to which is found in the book) really made the book an experience and not just a story. As for the girls' points of view, I'll let them tell you in their own words...
"The song, I think it was cool because I liked the pictures. The music sounded great. My favorite part was seeing the picture of the engineer with one eye big and one eye little."
-Maya (4 years old)
"I liked the picture of Jesse Fuller in the story because the words are a song and it looks like he's playing that song. The story was really cool. It reminded me of 'Caps for Sale' and the monkey is kind of like Curious George."
-Madison (8 years old)
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