A Mom’s Review of Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business
As any mom can attest, bedtime reading can be a mixed bag. On some nights, my kids are bouncing off the walls, fueled by a sugar high and giggle fits over silly antics. On others? Let’s just say I’m lucky to finish a single page before they ask, “Is it morning yet?” But the night I pulled out Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina, I knew I’d struck gold. The moment I mentioned “monkeys,” my toddler’s eyes lit up, and my preschooler chimed in with a cheeky giggle. The stage was set for some delightful chaos.
Caps for Sale is a timeless classic—and for good reason! The book tells the tale of a peddler who walks around town balancing a stack of colorful caps. In his quest to sell them, he encounters a charming band of mischievous monkeys who decide the caps would make perfect playthings. The story unfolds with a catchy repetition that has my littles chanting along with me, often letting out spontaneous ‘cheeky monkey’ sounds as we read. What’s not to love?
One thing I adore about this book is how it captures so many elements of childhood—creativity, cunning mischief, and that quintessential problem-solving spirit. As the peddler tries various strategies to get his caps back from the monkeys, my kids couldn’t stop giggling at his delightful antics. “Why don’t you just climb the tree, Daddy?” my youngest said, her tiny finger pointing to the illustrations. It sparked a sweet conversation about teamwork and imagination that continued well after the last page was flipped.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the illustrations. They’re simple yet vibrant—perfectly capturing the lightheartedness of the story. My daughter would point to the peddler and exclaim, “Look at his funny hat!” while my son was convinced he could hear the monkeys chattering as we flipped from page to page. The engaging illustrations, alongside the rhythmic text, held their attention throughout, a true feat in our often bustling household!
One of our favorite moments came near the end when the peddler finally outsmarts the monkeys. My kids yelled an enthusiastic “Hooray!” that echoed through our living room, and I secretly rejoiced that they were as invested in the peddler’s journey as I was. It became a bonding moment—a shared laughter, a collective cheer—and we carried that joy with us through the evening’s bedtime routine.
I highly recommend Caps for Sale for preschoolers aged 3 to 6—or for any little one who has an affinity for creatures with a bit of cheek! The engaging storyline, paired with its clever themes of persistence and problem-solving, makes this a book I’ll be excited to return to again and again. Not to mention, its simple layout is perfect for early readers just starting their adventure with words.
Ultimately, what makes this book special for me is its warmth and humor, echoing the often chaotic yet love-filled moments in our life. It’s a timeless classic that will surely become a staple on our family’s bookshelf—a remedy for a long day or a vehicle for giggles in our nightly routine. If you’re looking for joy, laughter, and a story that’s sure to resonate with your little ones (and perhaps even spark some delightful mischief of their own), Caps for Sale is a must-read!
