From the Publisher
"Another cleareyed and engaging book by a master of the genre."—starred, Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
02/01/2019
Gr 3–5—Readers follow scientists on their quest to learn more about the woolly monkey, a species that is vital to keeping the trees of South and Central America's rain forests just as they are—a home for plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Clear, engaging graphics including maps, a description and illustration of the various layers of the rain forest, close-up photographs of researchers, and images of the monkeys, draw in readers. To study the monkeys in their natural surroundings, scientists use camera traps that are triggered by movement to take full-color photos or record short videos. As a result, scientists have learned about the crucial role of woolly monkeys in maintaining the rain forest. Markle's excitement at these findings is palpable and contagious. VERDICT An excellent choice to enhance science programs for upper elementary schoolers. Pair this book with Melissa Stewart's No Monkeys, No Chocolate to see how rain forest monkeys are essential to the production of chocolate.—Myra Zarnowski, City University of New York
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2018-12-05
Markle introduces the woolly monkey, one of the largest monkeys in the rainforests of South America.
Using accessible language complemented by engaging photographs, the author describes the habitat, characteristics, importance, and scientific research related to this critically endangered primate. As they are considered a keystone species, the importance of learning more about them is critical to the survival of the rainforest. A clear, double-page diagram allowing readers to visualize the different layers of the rainforest sets the stage for understanding the woolly monkey's habitat. There are two species: the yellow-tailed woolly monkey, which lives only in the cloud forests of Peru, and the lowland woolly monkey, which can be found in the rainforest areas of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Markle details the research undertaken by several scientists, in particular the use of camera traps set up in the forest canopy by the Tree Top Manú Project. Readers will thrill at the idea of scientists climbing up trees as high as a 14-story building. By scanning the QR codes scattered among the pages children can see and hear the monkeys as well as follow a scientist as she observes the monkeys. The book ends with a suggested activity for children to start them off as potential future scientists.
Another cleareyed and engaging book by a master of the genre. (author's note, glossary, further reading) (Nonfiction. 8-12)
