This book is about a lonely gorilla that is able to use sign language, he signs to his zoo keepers that he wants a friend. The zoo keepers provide the gorilla with a cat named Beauty. The enormous gorilla and small cat become best of friends doing everything together, even going to the bathroom. After watching a movie the gorilla becomes angry, smashing the television and the zoo keepers threaten to take Beauty away. As a result Beauty takes the blame for the gorilla and the two live happily ever after. The story is loosely based off a gorilla that looked after a cat in the San Diego zoo. The illustrations as in all of Browne's books are well done, the eyes of the gorilla really bring the illustrations to life. This story could almost be told without any text, which I am noticing is a trademark of Browne books.
This book could be used with any age group, because of the unique story and excellent artistry. Little Beauty's illustrations contain mood and reinforcement of text, are important concepts for all ages to understand. When Browne tells the reader the two animals do everything together the word everything has larger font and they are both going to the bathroom. The text and illustrations are truly working hand in hand to express everything. Younger children would really enjoy the story, falling in love with adorable cat and loving gorilla. Have the children read this book in partners and trying to think of other stories where unlikely friends become best of friends. The willingness of Beauty to take the blame for his friend can be used to express the bond true friends have and the lengths they will go to in order to stay friends. I think its important to teach kids about the importance of strong friendships and their give and take nature.
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