When Gorilla Goes Walking

by Nikki Grimes

Book Overview

"When Gorilla goes walking, the neighbours laugh and stare at her tailless rump and her very proud air." Experience Cecilia and Gorilla's unique relationship through Nikki Grimes's lyrical poetry and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439317703
• ISBN13: 9780439317702
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Orchard Books (NY)
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 5.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.9" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Fun to read

My daughter picked this book up at the library one day. She and I quickly fell in love with this book of poems about Gorilla. I decided to purchase the book so we could read it over and over. The poems really capture the essence of owning a cat.

4 1/2 An Opulent Book with One Cool Cat

Award-winning writer Nikki Grimes and illustrator Shane Evans combine talents in this kid-friendly book of poetry about young Celilia and her cat, Gorilla. Grimes doesn't go for cute or adult-pleasing clever, instead, her poetry rings of kids' truths. Kids can relate to Cecilia's experiences and emotions, ranging from simple yet insightful observations to personal feelings of separation, love, and mischief. In "Little Miss Fussy," for example, we learn a little about Gorilla's diet; this cat is no Garfield: Gorilla is fussy about what she eats She turns up her nose at the usual treats. Forget the canned fish, and chicken, and liver, GOrilla likes soul food, so that's what I give her. Cecilia and her cat have a rich relationship, and the cat serves as a vehicle for Cecilia's emotions, as well as a pet who can soothe them. THe short poem, "Comfort" shows this personification of Cecilia as well as the mutual support. It's a short, simple piece--the longest line has only 4 words--and Grimes' concluding metaphor children can take the concluding metaphor literally or not. Either way, it still works. "Comfort" My friend packed my heart and moved away. Gotilla raised a paw and pet me. I think I cried a doxen times that day. Gorilla drank my tears and let me. There's one poem in which Grimes ineffectively switches voice between Gorilla and Cecilia. It's the only poem that seems confusing and unsatisfying--perhaps someone involved in the book's production didn't separate some stanzas. Aside from that one piece; however, 'Gorilla' strikes all the right notes, and the big, bold, graphics pf Shane Evans add to the many pleasures of this delicious, oversized treat.

A rollicking rhyme about a mischievous cat and an equally delightful owner.

Nikki Grimes and Shane Evans' WHEN GORILLA GOES WALKING tells of an odd but loveable cat who has a proud air, and who gets into trouble with her young owner. Large-size, colorful drawings accompany a rollicking rhyme about a mischievous cat and an equally delightful owner.