Monkey Puzzle

Synopsis

“Hush, little monkey, don’t you cry.
I’ll help you find her,” said Butterfly.

Little monkey has lost his mum. Kindly Butterfly is keen to help but they don’t seem to be having much luck!

Bring this hilarious story to life as you listen to this reading by Imelda Staunton, then sing along with The Monkey Puzzle Song. 

Biographies

Julia Donaldson has written many of the world’s most-loved picture books. The 2011-2013 UK Children’s Laureate, Julia also writes fiction, songs and plays, and her live children’s shows are always in demand. Julia and her husband split their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.

Axel Scheffler is an award-winning star illustrator whose instantly recognisable, warm and witty illustrations have become firm favourites of millions of children. Born in Hamburg, Axel lives with his partner and daughter in London.

Read along with . . . 

Imelda Staunton is a Bafta-winning film, TV, radio and stage actor. She was the voice of Aunt Lucy in the film Paddington and played Professor Umbridge in the Harry Potter films. 

Lyrics

My mum isn’t a great grey hunk.
She’s got no tusks and she’s got no trunk.
She doesn’t hiss and she doesn’t croak. 
Butterfly, butterfly, please don’t joke.

It’s a monkey puzzle.
Butterfly, butterfly, can’t you see?
It’s a monkey puzzle.
None of these animals looks like me.

My mum doesn’t have lots of legs.
She’s got no beak and she can’t lay eggs.
She doesn’t flitter about all night.
Butterfly, butterfly, get it right.

It’s a monkey puzzle.
Butterfly, butterfly, can’t you see?
It’s a monkey puzzle.
None of these animals looks like me.

Here comes someone with fingers and toes
And very long arms and a nice pink nose,
A curly tail and a furry tum.
Butterfly, butterfly – that’s NOT Mum!

It’s a monkey puzzle.
Butterfly, butterfly, are you mad?
It’s a monkey puzzle.
That’s not my mummy – no, that’s my dad!