Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Noisy Problem



Last updated Monday, November 3, 2014

Author: Chris Monroe
Date of Publication: 2009
ISBN: 0822592479
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2014

Synopsis: Chico Bon Bon has a problem . . . a noisy problem. He wants to fix it. BUT HE CAN'T FIND IT! What's a monkey to do? Use his tools, of course. With his tool belt, Chico can do anything!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is a tool belt?
•  Why would a monkey have a tool belt?
•  What is kept in a tool belt?
•  Why would a monkey have a tool belt?

Vocabulary:
•  investigate - to inquire into a situation or problem thoroughly, esp in order to discover the truth
•  belfry - thepart of a tower or steeple in which bells are hung
•  hankie - a handkerchief
•  laundry chute - an open-top trough through which dirty laundry is dropped to quickly get it to the laundry room, especially when it is on another floor
•  feast - big meal for a celebration with others

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What does Chico have in his tool belt?
•  Look again at the picture of every tool in the belt. Do you think these are all real tools? Which do you think are real & which are not?
•  What was the "noisy problem"? Or what was making the noise?
•  How did Chico find the source of the noise? Or how did Chico find the elephant?
•  Where was the elephant stuck?
•  What happened after Chico got Clark free from the laundry chute?
•  What did Chico and Clark eat for their peanut butter-banana feast?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a tool belt and cut-out tools to carry in it. Use yarn or ribbon to tie around the waist. Fold a piece of construction paper in thirds. Glue the edges together, leaving room for pockets and glue 1/3 of the paper over the ribbon. Draw & cut out shapes, such as hammers, wrenches, pliers, and other useful things like Chico has in his belt.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!