Once the misunderstanding is ironed out Butterfly is more successful and they find Dad and finally Mum! The butterfly, though well-intentioned, frequently confuses different animals for the monkey's mother due to its misunderstanding of the descriptions provided by the monkey. The butterfly's suggestions include a diverse array of creatures such as an elephant, a snake, a spider, a parrot, a frog, and a bat. Despite the butterfly's best efforts, these misidentifications lead to humorous interactions and highlight the differences between various jungle inhabitants. You could also read the story before a trip or a holiday to discuss with a young child what they should do if they ever do become lost (not a comfortable idea to entertain but it is certainly an important subject to discuss if you feel your little one is old enough).

Choose one of the animals on the word mat (see Resources below). Then, make up some clues for a friend to help them identify the animal that you are thinking of. Choose an animal and write a detailed description of it to help the butterfly find it straight away.

Crafts and activities for kids

Look at the patterns and textures on the animals in the story. Investigate what camouflage means and how this helps animals. Monkey Puzzle (in the United States of America, Where's My Mom?), written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, is an illustrated children's story book, published in 2000 by Alison Green Books. Donaldson dedicated the book to her cousin's children, Tom, Billy, Emma and Katie. Monkey Puzzle" has gained widespread popularity among young readers and their caregivers due to its engaging storyline, captivating illustrations, and valuable life lessons. The book effectively explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the challenges of finding one's way in unfamiliar environments. With its relatable characters and whimsical narrative, the book has become a staple in children's literature.

Investigate environmental issues linked to jungles and rainforests. How can people help to protect them? Look at the different types of punctuation shown in the story. Could you use some of these in your own writing?Monkey Puzzle or Where’s My Mom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is full of delights for young children. You will find Julia Donaldson’s brilliant rhymes and Axel Scheffler’s wonderful illustrations along with repetition, clues, jungle animals and a great big hug. We have read it over and over again and never tire of it. If you don’t own a copy it is a great addition to your bookshelves at this time of year as Mother’s Day approaches and it is also a fantastic story to read in the Spring as an introduction to the lifecycle of a butterfly. Look at the plants and flowers in the illustrations. Can you identify similar plants using reference books?

The narrative of "Monkey Puzzle" centers around a young monkey who becomes separated from her mother in the vast and dense jungle. Feeling lost and alone, the little monkey embarks on a quest to reunite with her beloved parent. Along her journey, she encounters a helpful butterfly who volunteers to assist her in the search.

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The butterfly’s babies don’t look like him. Can you explain why this is? What does metamorphosis mean?