Give it a try, monkey!

Sometimes we are fearful of the unknown; then, through experience we realise we had nothing to fear to at all. This rhyming narrative takes the little reader on a journey with a young monkey who feels anxious about swinging on vines. He also experiences a feeling of loneliness as all of his friends are swinging from tree to tree in their troop whilst he is left to sit and watch from a distance. An older and friendly monkey takes the time to support his little friend to step out of his comfort zone and conquer his fears. The little monkey soon realises that swinging from vine to vine with his friends brings him a world of joy. Feeling proud and self accomplished, the little monkey realises that in future, seeking support and having a try is a much more positive approach to conquering fear than deciding he is incapable of something based on fear. Reflective questions are included at the conclusion of the story to spark conversations between children and their carers about how the monkey's experience relates to the child's own life. Conversations may centre around past or current fears, how they were / could be managed and overcome, where to find support and celebrating past achievements.