Putting the Monkeys to Bed

Gennifer Choldenko's "Putting the Monkeys to Bed" offers a delightful and humorous twist on the classic bedtime story. Sam, the young protagonist, finds himself in the unique position of being the one who is tired, while his playful monkey companions are wide awake. The book charmingly explores imaginative play and the gentle struggle of winding down for the night. It's a lighthearted read that normalizes the energy children often have before bed, while also modeling a child taking responsibility and problem-solving. This book is perfect for children who enjoy stories about animals and imaginative scenarios, or for families looking for a comforting and amusing read-aloud to ease into bedtime. It's particularly engaging for early elementary children who might relate to the feeling of being tired but still having playful energy around them.