Cyril the Mandrill - Hardcover

Greco, Francesca

4.11

9 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 193206592X ISBN 13: 9781932065923

Publisher: Star Bright Books, 2004

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Cyril is different from the other monkeys at the zoo. He is a mandrill and has unique facial coloring and markings. Everyone wants to see Cyril when they come to the zoo, bit the other animals think his colors are strange and make fun of him.

When winter comes, the animals are moved indoors and they quickly become bored with their stagnant surroundings. The monkeys soon realize that Cyril's colors are a delightful reminder of the outside world, and they come to befriend Cyril despite his differences.

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About the Author:

Francesca Greco is a young Italian illustrator who studied art history at the University of Perugia. Her award-winning artwork has been included in exhibitions and published throughout the world.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 2-Cyril, a mandrill from Gabon, lives in a zoo where visitors flock to see him because of his distinctive appearance. Because the other animals are jealous, they make fun of him, so he is very lonely. Try as he might to look like everyone else, he cannot erase the bright colors of his face. As the cold, gray winter arrives, the animals are moved indoors. Bored with their drab surroundings and depressed by the sameness of their days, they learn to appreciate Cyril's vivid markings. He cheers them toward spring by evoking memories of a warmer, more vibrant season, explaining, for example, that his mouth is yellow like the sun when it wakes up in the morning and begins to rise. In the end, he becomes a cherished member of the group. Greco's pen-and-watercolor paintings are delightful. Cyril is just plain gorgeous, and the cover illustration, which features a close-up of his multihued face and smiling eyes, will tempt readers to pick up the book. Unfortunately, the story is a bit contrived and the text a little stilted. Despite some awkwardness, the tale does present some good lessons: respect differences; enjoy your individuality; find your place to shine in the world. Not a first purchase, but certainly a worthwhile addition.-Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME
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