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Pedro and the Monkey Cover art by Michael Hays ©2010

Robert D. San Souci has written many award-winning books for children. Among them are The Talking Eggs, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, which was a Caldecott Honor Book, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and an ALA Notable Book; Sukey and the Mermaid, illustrated by Brian Pinkney, which won a Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award; and Cut from the Same Cloth, also illustrated by Brian Pinkney, which won the American Folklore Society's Aesop Award. A graduate of St. Mary's College in Moraga, California, Robert San Souci now lives in the San Francisco Bay area, where he pursues his writing career full time.



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Pedro and the Monkey

retold from Filipino folklore by Robert D. San Souci
illustrated by Michael Hays

Morrow Junior Books 1996

"I will arrange for you to marry the daughter of Don Francisco, the rich landowner."

Long ago in the Philippines a poor young farmer named Pedro was plagued by a monkey who stole his corn. He finally succeeded in catching the wily thief: yet when the monkey begged for his release, the kindhearted Pedro set him free.

In return for this generous act, the monkey made him an incredible promise. But Pedro wondered whether a mere monkey–even such a clever one–could fulfill it.

Master storyteller Robert D. San Souci and gifted illustrator Michael Hays combine talents for this rousing Filipino folktale about an act of kindness that has unexpected results. Their spirited retelling will captivate youngsters everywhere.

Pedro and the Monkey art by Michael Hays ©2010