Almost 5 - The look on my daughter's face during the first couple of pages was one of horror and I have to say I kept thinking I sure hope this ends better than it starts. A sad yet interesting read. I do wish there was a bit more story to the interaction between chimpanzee and dog but otherwise certainly worth a read. ( )

This is a true story of a chimpanzee named Rickie, who lives with her family in the rainforest of Central Africa. Ricki has a happy life until the hunters kill her mother and take her to be sold in "one of the markets of Brazzaville, in the Congo Republic". She is rescued by a tall kind man who takes her to his home. The man takes care of Richie and "gradually some of her joy in life returned ". Rickie finds an unexpected friend in Henri, the dog. They became best friends until Rickie is sent "to live with other of her kind" in a sanctuary. Henri also finds a new friend in another dog.
The book could be used as a part of a lesson on illegal poaching and selling of endangered animals. The book vividly describes Rickie's feelings throughout the biography. Readers can feel her terror when she is taken by the hunters ("the infant chimpanzee who didn't understand, went on screaming and screaming") or her joy when she is adopted by the man.The illustrations are also done in a way so that the humans in the story are shadowy figures. This also helps put the spotlight on Rickie and her story.
It is great book that can be read to students of any grades from 1st-12th. it is a lovely story with a sad beginning but a happy end. ( )

This story is a biography so I loved how descriptive and detailed it was. You really got the chance to feel the characters emotions and understand their exact thoughts. For example, “the long journey through the forest, cramped in a little basket, must have been a nightmare for Rickie” and “she was hungry, but there was no warm, comforting milk.” The story was very well organized, which was necessary since so many events occurred in this story. The story flows very well because you go through the journey Rickie had in her own habitat, being captured, being rescued and then being cared for. I also like how the story begins with Rickie being alone and ends with her finding a companion in Henri, the dog. I loved the illustrations because you can tell that the illustrator really focused on the expressions of the Rickie and Henri, the two main characters. You can tell when Rickie is sad, happy, excited and every other emotion he felt. This really helps you feel a connection to the characters and the story. I liked how the humans in the story were always shadows or outlines, which allowed you to focus on the main characters and their journey together. The story not only told you about their personal story, but also included information like hunting laws. For example, “The two men knew that it was against the law to capture and sell infant chimpanzees.” The big idea of this story is that two different animals became such close friends. It teaches you that you can get along with anyone as long as they are a good companion and are there for you. It also shows you to treat animals with respect because they have feelings just like humans do. ( )