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.