At my library, we do a different theme for each letter of the alphabet. One of the most popular is "J is for Jungle," featuring animal stories. For a craft, we usually make simple monkey masks using paper plates, or elephant paperbag puppets.

Of course, you will want to mix in appropriate , including "Five Monkeys Jumping on the Bed," "Five Monkeys Swinging in a Tree," and other animals songs.

• Steig, William. ZABAJABA JUNGLE.
  Leonard explores a special jungle where there are unusual animals and man-eating plants.
• Knutson, Kimberly. JUNGLE JAMBOREE.
  Kids make a jungle in the living room with blankets, pillows, etc.
• Wundrow, Deanna. JUNGLE DRUM.
  The sounds of the rain forest are featured, from drums, to dripping water, to animals voices.
• Russell, Naomi. GUESS WHO’S IN THE JUNGLE?
  Look under the flaps to find out who is in the jungle.
• Yaccarino, Dan. DEEP IN THE JUNGLE.
  A lion is captured from the jungle to work in the circus; the surprise ending is really funny to older children.
• Emberley, Rebecca. JUNGLE SOUNDS.
  Not a story, but this features the sounds of the jungle with deeply colored collages.
• Taylor, Mark. HENRY EXPLORES THE JUNGLE.
  A boy tells his mother he is off to find a tiger in the jungle.
• Preston, Edna M. MONKEY IN THE JUNGLE.
  Rhythmic story of a monkey who won’t go to bed.
• Sierra, Judy. COUNTING CROCODILES.
  A monkey outwits the hungry crocodiles, because the monkey knows how to count.

March, 2001