Monkey Play (Step into Reading Step 1: Ready to Read) by Alyssa Satin Capucilli Ages 4-6 32 pages Random House August 2012 Paperback     Monkey Play features little monkeys frolicking in an Indian bazaar, singing along and drumming on a coconut while a musician plays a stringed instrument called a sitar in the background. When the monkeys get into some mischief by upsetting rugs and spice jars, they sneak away to hide from the irate shopkeepers among the fruit and flower baskets. Soon the little monkeys are off to another adventure, trying on sparkly hats and shoes and admiring themselves in hand mirrors. The day ends with the monkeys joining a royal tent with a party under way—the perfect finish to their adventure! Monkey Play is a Step Into Reading Step 1 book, designed for beginning readers in preschool to kindergarten who recognize the alphabet and want to learn to read. The simple, repeating words and engaging storyline make it an easy book for an early reader to enjoy mastering (and it’s the perfect book to read to a younger sibling!). The charming illustrations of the Indian bazaar setting are a nice touch, exposing children to a diverse setting in an accessible and appealing way.     web reviews   Usha Rao/2013 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)