Monty

A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling unsettled by an unexpected change in their daily routine, such as a regular babysitter going on vacation or a school bus route changing. Monty tells the story of three friends, a rabbit, a duck, and a frog, who depend on an alligator named Monty to ferry them across the river to school. When Monty suddenly leaves for a vacation, the friends are stuck. They must brainstorm, collaborate, and try several comically unsuccessful ideas before finding a clever solution. The book gently models resilience, creative problem-solving, and the power of teamwork. Its simple language and humorous, comic-strip-style illustrations make it a delightful and reassuring read for children ages 4 to 8, showing them that unexpected challenges can be overcome with a little help from your friends.