The Woolly Monkey Mysteries

February 1, 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

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2019
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)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 15, 2019
Grades 3-6 Covered with dense, short fur that begs for a pat, the woolly monkey of South and Central America is, sadly, critically endangered. These rain- and cloud-forest dwellers are a challenge to study, as they live high in the forests' canopies, but Markle introduces a few of the determined scientists monitoring these elusive creatures in Peru's Man� Biosphere Reserve and National Park. Chief among them is Andrew Whitworth, whose Tree Top Man� Project has installed more than 100 motion-activated cameras in the forest's trees to document woolly monkey activity. Woolly monkeys are considered a keystone species because they spread so many seeds around forests via their droppings?it's estimated they poop up to 15 times per day! Photos of the monkeys and scientists at work dominate almost every page, with an accompanying text box that often contains quotes by the scientists. A labeled two-page spread depicts the four layers of a rain forest, while two QR codes link to videos by the CREES Foundation that show the primates in action. An interesting snapshot of modern biologists and their subjects.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)