
Reach for this book when your little one is using every creative trick in the book to delay lights-out. It transforms the bedtime power struggle into a collaborative counting game that validates a child's desire for 'just one more' while gently nudging them toward sleep. The story follows five energetic siblings who convince their babysitter, Lulu, to play hide-and-seek instead of going to bed. As the monkeys find increasingly clever hiding spots, Lulu has to count higher and higher. It is a wonderful tool for teaching early math skills and patience, all wrapped in a humorous, high-energy package. The familiar rhythm and colorful illustrations make it a comforting choice for children aged 3 to 7 who are navigating the boundary between playtime and rest.
None. This is a secular, lighthearted story focused on play and routine.










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Sign in to write a reviewA preschooler or kindergartner who is a 'staller' at bedtime. It is perfect for children who love physical play and are starting to show an interest in larger numbers beyond the typical 1 through 10.
None required. This is a straightforward read-aloud. Parents may want to practice their 'searching' voice to add to the suspense of the hide-and-seek scenes. The parent has just heard 'one more game!' or 'I'm not tired!' for the fifth time and needs a way to transition that energy into a book rather than a battle.
Younger toddlers will enjoy the physical comedy of the monkeys' hiding spots and the repetitive '1, 2, 3' counting. Older children (5-7) will find the 'big numbers' like 104 impressive and will appreciate the humor in the monkeys successfully tricking the sitter.
Unlike many bedtime books that are quiet and lyrical, this one mirrors the actual high-energy reality of a child's 'second wind.' It uses math as a plot device to slowly wind the characters down, making the eventual sleep feel earned rather than forced.
The five little monkeys are supposed to be heading to bed, but they convince their babysitter, Lulu, to play hide-and-seek. Each round, the monkeys find better hiding spots, forcing Lulu to count to higher numbers (ending at 104) to give them time to hide. Eventually, the monkeys tire themselves out and fall asleep in their final hiding spot.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.