This is a lovely picture book about mischievous chimp twins, with plenty of rhymes and repetition which children will soon be repeating. The pictures are bright and dynamic, engaging the reader with an inherent energy, and my children love comparing the rainy weather map with the sunny version at the back of the book.
The simple story is told in short memorable sentences, perfectly pitched to hold the attention of a toddler or for a child beginning to read on their own. Chimp and Zee are like most siblings, monkeying about, driving everyone bananas with their persistent squibbling and squabbling:
"Chimp did it."
"Zee did it."
"I wasn't even there."
"Zee did it."
"Chimp did it."
"It's just NOT FAIR"
When they go out with their Dad in the wind, Chimp and Zee don't hold tight as they are told and are blown away by a gust of wind, high above Jungletown. Fortunately Mumkey performs an amazing rescue. The family then snuggle down for hot fried bananas in front of the fire as their dad shares a bit of wisdom:
"Families can be stormy sometimes" smiles Papakay.
"Yes" says Mumkey, "but whatever the weather, we'll always be together."
It's a great book if you're choosing your first Chimp and Zee title, then I recommend this one over the original "Chimp and Zee".