Here’s my choice for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
A Troop is a Group of Monkeys
Written by Julie Hedlund
Illustrated by Pamela Baron
Little Bahalia Publishing LLC, 2013
Non-Fiction
Suitable for ages: 2 and up
Themes/Topics:Â animals
Opening line:Â A parliament of owls hoots in the night.
Synopsis from Amazon.com:Â A surfeit of skunks, a troop of monkeys, a clutter of spiders these colorful and poetic words for animal groups are called collective nouns and children will learn all about them in this rhyming picture book by Julie Hedlund. With beautiful painted illustrations by Pamela Baron, each animal group is brought to life in color-splashed environments sure to fascinate any child. The magnificent illustrations and playful use of language make it perfect for design-savvy parents and inspired gift givers. First published as a series of interactive book apps for the iPad, A Troop is a Group of Monkeys has received much industry praise and was included in the Top 50 Apps for Kids in 2013.
Links to Resources:Â There’s a note on the last page saying A Troop is a Group of Monkeys is meant to be enjoyed as part of a complete lesson plan. Visit littlebahalia.com for sheet music, curriculum guides and reading strategies. Both apps, and this book, meet Core Curriculum standards. Both A Troop is a Group of Monkeys and A Shiver of Sharks are available in the App Store and provide interaction with the animals.
Why I like this book:Â I enjoy the simplicity of this story for bedtime or anytime. The rhythm and the animals make us want to read this again and again. The collective nouns are fun for children and parents too. Â The book is a combination of the two apps A Troop is a Group of Monkeys and A Shiver of Sharks.
Most of the animals found in the apps are in the book. My only beef: Where are the hippos! I miss the bloat of hippopotami. Of course, that’s why I have an app for that — my hippopotomi fix!
I was able to purchase a copy of the book at the Rocky Mountain Chapter SCBWI conference bookstore. Julie  signed my copy to Enzo. So that made this picture book perfect for our family.
Find more Perfect Picture Books on Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog. Hope you have a great weekend.
Wendy Greenley
Isn’t it great when kids can read something for FUN and learn something, too! Great choice.
stacy
It is a fun one for little ones and parents alike.
Jarm Del Boccio
I love Julie’s two book apps!! They are so much fun to “read” and play over and over again. Good choice, Stacy!
stacy
You may miss the interaction in the print book after playing with the apps!
Julie Rowan-Zoch
Of course I like it too, Enzo and I remain on the same page, even while turning them!
stacy
Julie, You and Enzo remain a good reading pair.
clarbojahn
I pre-ordered this and am looking forward to receiving it in the mail along with autograph! I love reading all about it on different venues and know Julie did an amazing job. I am looking forward to my own copy. 🙂
stacy
You will enjoy it Clar.
Catherine Johnson
Great review, Stacy. I’m getting this with my next book order.
stacy
It’s a fun one Catherine. If you’ve read the apps, it’s funny to see the animals not move or make noise. The illustrations are lovely.
Joanna
So glad this app has now been made into a print book. Yay for such a fun concept book!
stacy
It is a fun concept book!
Patricia Tilton
I’m glad you reviewed Julie’s new book. Haven’t received my copy yet, so was not aware it included the material from both apps. That makes it even better! Julie read had an outstanding idea for a picture book. I remember taking my GREs and having some some the animal groups on the test. Great time to begin teaching, because the rhyme will linger in a child’s mind.
stacy
Perhaps it could be a study guide for those taking the GREs too. LOL 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill
Aw! Look at your very own signed copy! I am waiting for mine 🙂 This is a great book for teaching kids about animal groups and also just plain fun! Thanks for adding it to our list, Stacy!
stacy
It is fun and has a lot of activity possibilities. I just used the link to the publisher, but lots and lots one can do with this one (and the apps).
Erik - This Kid Reviews Books
Great pick! I love the illustrations of this book! I really want a hard-copy of this book. 🙂 Thanks for adding it to the list! 😀
stacy
It’s nice to see it as a book too Erik!
Beth Stilborn
I was so glad to see TROOP leading the list of Perfect Picture Books this Friday. How delightful that you got to have yours signed by Julie in person! Since I don’t have an iPad, I haven’t been able to experience the apps, so I am grateful that it’s now available as a print book.
stacy
The apps are fun Beth, but the book tells the story nicely without the interaction.
Kirsten Larson
I’ve been waiting for this one. There’s nothing like a hardback book in my humble opinion. Now to find a signed copy…
stacy
I agree on hardback books, but still love the app. It’s fun to see how a story can take many different forms.
Joanne Roberts
This great app deserves all the attention it has gotten. I didn’t realize it had been okayed for an actual print book. Hooray!
stacy
Hooray indeed!
Sue Wang
Very cool! I can use a lesson on this too -a shiver of sharks. Hmm. How so? :p So nice you got a signed copy for the precious one too.
stacy
Yep. Kiddo really likes it!
Rhythm
I’m glad this is a real book now! Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the review!
stacy
Thanks. I hope you like it.
Julie Hedlund
I don’t know how I missed this Stacy, but THANK YOU SO MUCH for putting TROOP into the mix for PPBF!! It’s truly an honor, and it means so much to me that Enzo loves the book!
And since a few folks asked, you can order signed copies from my website at http://www.juliehedlund.com/print-books
Thanks again Stacey!
stacy
You’re welcome Julie. We love the book and the app.
Robyn Campbell
I love this app. Julie did such a great job. What a great choice. They’re both fun, love to play with over and over apps. Julie is one talented lady!
stacy
Yes she is!