Monkey
Not Ready for the Baby
by Marc Tolon Brown
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2016
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- new sibling adjustment
- family
- feelings and emotions
- patience
- empathy
- change
- reassurance
About this book
Monkey isn’t so sure he’s ready for a new baby in the house, even though everyone else seems excited. With gentle humor and warm illustrations, this picture book explores the mixed feelings older siblings often have before a baby arrives. It reassures young children that their worries are normal and that families find loving ways to adjust. Perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids anticipating a new sibling.
Setting: a contemporary family home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monkey right for my child?
Yes — Monkey is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.1, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include new sibling adjustment, family, feelings and emotions.
How long does it take to read Monkey?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Monkey takes around 5m to finish. The book has 540 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Monkey have an AR quiz?
Yes — Monkey has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Monkey?
Monkey has an AR reading level of 2.1, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.