My Daddy is a Silly Monkey
Diane Hofmeyr and Carol Thompson
Tafelberg
Review: Lauren O’Connor-May
I challenge any reader to get to the end of this sweet little book without saying: “Awwwwww!”
The endearing children’s book is a tribute to dads everywhere, in all their unique fatherly sillinesses.
It is written by award-winning author Diane Hofmeyr, who was born in the UK but grew up in Africa, and illustrated by equally acclaimed writer and artist, Carol Thompson.
The narrator of the story is a little girl who, using animal metaphors such as “a great big bear”, “a naughty crocodile” and “a whirly, twirly octopus”, describes her relationship with her father.
Her mom never makes an appearance in the book – which, be warned, my children spotted immediately and asked several questions about – so it appears the Silly Monkey is single parenting.
Our whole family – but especially daddy – thoroughly enjoyed this book, which quickly became a frequent request.
It did stimulate a lot of interesting discussions and after a few days two of my daughters packed it in their school bags successively – which is the equivalent of five gold stars in our home.
It is fitting that the publishers released it so close to Father’s Day because good dads get very little credit for their hard work but this charming children’s book gives them a pat on the back with aplomb.
