"Koko's Kitten" is a true story about a gorilla who is taught how to use sign language. She is able to communicate her thoughts and feelings with humans. Her teacher Penny treats Koko as if she were her own child and even celebrates holidays with her. Penny asks Koko what she would like for her birthday and is told she wants a cat. Penny gets Koko a toy cat for Christmas, but the toy cat isn't good enough Koko wants a real live cat. A few months later Koko gets her very own live kitten to take care of and even carries him on her back like a baby gorilla.

I was very surprised when I read this book. I was expecting a boring book about gorillas since it is an informational book. However, this book has a very heartfelt story behind the information of Penny teaching Koko sign language and the development of gorillas. I loved this book because it made me feel the same feelings Koko was feeling and really pulled me into the story that was being told.

I would have my students paint a picture of Koko and her kitten. I would teach my class a few common signs and the alphabet in sign language.

Reviewed October 19 on 52n52.blogspot.com. ( )

Koko the Gorilla uses sign language, paints and adopts a pet kitten. ( )

This story talks a little bit about Koko the gorilla in general, but focuses on her desire for a kitten and her relationship with her first kitten, All Ball. Koko wants a kitten very badly, and immediately falls in love with All Ball, a manx who loves Koko back. When All Ball dies, Koko is very lonely and wants a new kitten, and is greatful when she finally gets Lipstick, another manx. ( )