Summary
Our friend the very clever monkey is up to his old tricks in this humorous African folktale. The Clever Monkey Rides Again, as told by Rob Cleveland, takes place long ago in the African jungle where a terrible bully lion roamed. The lion played all sorts of mean tricks and childish pranks on all of the animals. They were too afraid of the lion to stand up to his bullying. That is, until our friend the clever monkey hears the nuisance and starts to laugh. He uses his trickery to embarrass the lion and his humiliation leads him to run away, never to return to that part of the jungle again.
Analysis
Although this whimsical folktale comes from Africa, many variations can be found in the Br’er Rabbit tales from the American South as well as in Native American stories. Instead of the trickster monkey, other cultures substitute the trickster rabbit as the main character. Rob Cleveland uses this story to share valuable life lessons in character values about how to be resourceful in meeting a challenge, how to be courageous in the face of a threatening bully, and how to stand up and be a good citizen when others are too frightened to act.
Illustrations
Questions
If you have any questions about book, the lesson plans and activities, or the online videos for The Clever Monkey Rides Again, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
