Best Children's Ape & Monkey Books of 2025

The One and Only Ivan is a Newbery Award-winning novel by Katherine Applegate. The story is inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla named Ivan, told from his perspective. Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home and his art through new eyes. The book is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 8, for independent reading, homeschooling, and sharing in the classroom. Overall, this heartwarming story of friendship, art, and hope is a must-read for children and adults alike.

The #1 New York Times bestselling picture book, Grumpy Monkey, is a hilarious story about a chimpanzee named Jim who is in a terrible mood for no reason. His friends try to cheer him up, but he can't take their advice and has a meltdown. The book is a great tool for teaching young children about emotional literacy and allowing them to feel their feelings. The bright watercolor illustrations of animals and the humorous narrative make the book a fun and engaging read. Overall, Grumpy Monkey is a wonderful addition to any children's book collection, and its message is both important and valuable.

The World of Eric Carle, Hear Bear Roar 30-Button Animal Sound Book is an excellent tool for engaging young readers with its hands-on interaction and captivating creatures on each page. The book features the amazing artwork of Eric Carle, writer and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and includes an impressive amount of animals with corresponding sounds. This book is perfect for building vocabulary and stimulating the imaginations of young readers, making it a great addition to any children's bear book collection. Overall, it is an interactive adventure that will keep children entertained and engaged for hours on end.

Good Night, Gorilla is a delightful bedtime story for children. It follows the zookeeper's nightly routine of saying goodnight to all the animals, but a mischievous gorilla sneaks along and causes chaos. The illustrations are simple yet amusing, with many small details that add to the story's charm. The book's tranquil tone and jaunty artwork make it a standout picture book, perfect for gifting occasions and baby bedtimes. Overall, Good Night, Gorilla is a clever and comforting bedtime story that will leave young readers giggling.

The Grumpy Monkey is back with a hilarious sequel, "Grumpy Monkey Party Time!" This New York Times bestseller is all about managing social anxiety and speaking up about what you need. Jim Panzee is anxious about going to a party where there will be dancing. Despite his friends' efforts to teach him cool moves, Jim just doesn't like to dance. As more and more animals speak their truths, they learn that it's okay not to go with the flow if they're uncomfortable. This book teaches kids that expressing their feelings takes courage and can help others speak up too. Overall, "Grumpy Monkey Party Time!" is a fun and valuable read for children.

The Grumpy Monkey is back in this hilarious bedtime story about dealing with frustration when you don't get to do what you want. Jim Panzee is going to a slumber party, and there's a lot to do, but things go awry, and one by one, everyone falls asleep, while Jim is determined to stay up. In this delightful addition to the GRUMPY MONKEY series, kids see what happens when you stay awake too late! Grumpy Monkey Up All Night is a fantastic addition to the children's ape and monkey books category. The book is branded by Random House Books for Young Readers, and it's a must-read for parents who want to teach their children about the importance of sleep and dealing with frustration.

The Curious George Classic Collection is a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf. This collection features all seven original stories of the mischievous and lovable monkey, Curious George, with downloadable audio read by the talented John Krasinski. The Reys' creation has been a treasured classic for generations, and this collection is perfect for both old and new fans alike. The animated series is also available on Peacock, NBC Universal's streaming platform. Overall, this collection is a delightful read with charming illustrations and a timeless story that will captivate children's imaginations.

Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb is a delightful board book that introduces babies and toddlers to the concept of hands, fingers, and thumbs through the fun and playful antics of a band of musical monkeys. Written in rollicking rhyme, this simplified edition of Al Perkins' classic book is perfect for reading aloud and engaging young children in the joy of making music. The colorful illustrations by Eric Gurney add to the book's charm and appeal. Overall, Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb is a must-have for any child's library and a perfect way to introduce little ones to the world of books and music.

This box set of three board books, "My First Curious George, Curious George: My First Bike, and Curious George: My First Kite," is a delightful introduction to the classic tales of Curious George. The abridged text is perfect for the youngest readers, and the sturdy board pages are easy for little hands to turn. With vibrant illustrations by H. A. Rey, the mischievous monkey's adventures come to life. This set is a perfect gift for baby showers or as a meaningful addition to any little one's library.

The Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed Padded Board Book is a delightful and engaging story for children. The mischievous illustrations and the rhyming verses make this book a family favorite. The story follows five little monkeys who start to jump on their bed after saying good night to Mama, but trouble awaits as one by one they fall off and bump their heads. The mama calls the doctor, and he says, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" This contemporary classic is perfect for sharing with little monkeys and makes a great addition to any home library. Overall, this book is a must-have for parents looking for a fun and entertaining story to read with their kids.