Knife and Fork by Gita V. Reddy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Disclaimer: I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
CUTE! I loved this little story. It shows us how to try new customs and ideas. I do believe that children would love the story of this cute, curious little monkey that wanders into the city. He learns valuable lessons to share with those around him, humans and other monkeys.
As Bholu, the little monkey, gets to the city he sees that a little girl and her family enjoy eating using a knife and fork. He learns that this is the way of the people and it works for them so he learns to use these tools, too.
The story continues in chapter form each leading to the next nearly seamlessly. As is common the main character (the monkey) bumps into problems and works them out. I believe that young readers will love this story. But I think it would make a nice read-aloud situation, too, as there are many concepts that parents and teachers could help children to absorb. Such as “When in Rome…” Now normally I would agree. In this case, the monkey is back with his friends and finds the knife and fork don’t do well on coconuts. But the conversation should move in both directions. Those berries won’t be so messy with a fork. And I’m sure the humans don’t use those tools to eat cookies.
Maybe a bit could be said for those of us with arthritis who find chops sticks hurt even if they want to do as the Romans (Chinese) do. Or even the forks and knives for some, have to have adaptations so as to get the job done.
Maybe a lesson in manners and why a knife and fork might be more healthy than eating with hands. Or how it might be up to Bholu to teach his friends how wonderful it is to have new skills.
There is so much in this story that leads to conversation. Yet this could be read over and over as one would love to have this monkey visit them for a picnic sometime.
Brilliant work Gita! Thanks for letting me read your books!
Darswords 
You must be logged in to post a comment.