Last week I posted an open letter to my son, William, who I had shouted at earlier the same day. He was being naughty but I know that I should not have shouted. The letter was a lasting apology and a reminder to me not to do it again.

Just by chance when we were having tea that evening I read Esther and William two story books, one of which happened to be Alan Durant’s I Love You Little Monkey.

This is a fun book about a cheeky little monkey (like my William) who is naughty and makes his parent cross. The Big Monkey shouts at Little Monkey but then feels bad and apologises explaining clearly that he is not cross with Little Monkey but with his behaviour.

It really touched a nerve with me, reading it so soon after our own situation, it made me feel very emotional and we enjoyed some lovely hugs as the story came to an end.

When Big Monkey shouts at Little Monkey, Little Monkey gets upset and starts to cry. He thinks that Big Monkey does not love him but Big Monkey is quick to reassure Little Monkey and tells him:

“I may not like the naughty things you do sometimes, but I love you always, even when you’re naughty.”

I love that a little further on in the story Little Monkey apologises for his behavour and Big Monkey apologises too.

It is so important to tell each other we are sorry especially when we know that we are wrong.

This book is special because of the message it carries within its story, it is made extra special however by the fabulously funny and incredibly clever illustrations pencilled by Katharine McEwen.

The monkeys are very cute and the jungle in which they live is filled with vibrant colour and quirky details such as lizards catching flies, ants carrying leaves, snakes coiled round trees and birds riding tortoises. There are lots of things for children to observe and question and comment on.

This book is the full package, a heartwarming story with a good message for all and fun pictures for all the family to enjoy.

I Love You, Little Monkey is the “perfect book for parents to share with their own naughty little monkeys.”