Book Review: Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed Deluxe Edition
As a mom, bedtime is a special time—a chance to wind down as a family after the whirl of daily activities. But, with a 3-year-old who’s convinced that the best time for acrobatics is right when the lights are dimmed, I found myself in need of a story to channel that energy. Enter Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow.
This book quickly became a bedtime staple in our house. In this charming tale, we meet five playful monkeys, all ready to jump on their bed after saying goodnight to Mama. Each monkey starts with enthusiasm, only to tumble off one by one, bumping their heads! The rhythm and repetition of the story make it not just fun to read but also perfect for little ones to chant along. My kids giggle every time they say, “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”—it’s practically become part of our nighttime routine.
The illustrations are a delightful treat! Christelow’s vibrant, whimsical drawings grab my children’s attention right from the first page. We find ourselves tracing the monkey’s mischievous expressions, noting little details my kids adore—like the way their Mama looks both exasperated and amused. At one point, my youngest pointed at the doctor and shouted, “He’s not wearing a monkey suit!” These simple responses are what make reading together such a joy; my children find humor in every turn of the page.
One of the best aspects of this book is its engaging form. Each monkey’s fall provides an opportunity for a little chatter about safety (my very real parenting struggle!) in a fun way. When we read it, conversations inevitably branch out, leading us to explore what jumping on beds really means and how we need to be careful. I feel like I’m sneaking in valuable lessons while also allowing my kids to embrace their silliness.
The predictability of the text means my little ones can chime in, and it saves me from monotony. My 4-year-old has started to memorize the verses—it’s not uncommon for him to now recite the story in his own silly monkey voice, prompting giggles from all of us. There’s something so sweet about watching them engage with the text, mimicking the characters, and preparing for the inevitable tumbles.
If you’re a parent with young kids, especially those who thrive on laughter and love a little chaos, I can’t recommend the Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed Deluxe Edition enough. It’s ideal for little ones aged 1-4 and makes for an excellent gift. It’s sturdy enough to withstand the vigorous page-turning of tiny hands and brings home that delightful energy every child has.
At its heart, this book serves more than just a story; it encapsulates the joy of reading together, bonding, and sharing laughter—even amidst the chaos. It’s indeed become a family favorite, one that I’ll cherish as much for its lessons as for the memories we create around it. So the next time your kiddos are bouncing off the walls (or beds), consider this: they just might be channeling their inner little monkeys!
Join the playful adventure with Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed Deluxe Edition! >>
