Dr. Peanut Learns to Spell!
"I was teaching a child using the 'Slimy' chapter (the one about the snail) from Rock On, Dr. Peanut. This rising 4th grader can hardly read. We had spent a lot of time on phonemic awareness. We had been using decodable books with two-letter blends, but these were still difficult to read...."
A children’s book publisher since 2008, One Monkey Books has expanded with titles in word study, memoir and general fiction of interest to adults.
This site describes our books (see the menu of types) and connects you to ebook versions and free resources such as reader's theatre scripts.
We encourage you to order single copies via Amazon, but we also offer modest discounts. We add a flat $3 shipping charge (within the U.S.) on orders of any amount.
Teachers: For a 40% discount on multiple copies, please contact us directly!
The Pumpkin Deal: A Win-Win Halloween
Teach Great Negotiation!
by Alan Venable, pictures by Lena Venable, 2021
36 color illustrated pages
Paperback list price $10.95
In this playful, surprising tale, a savvy young witch keeps her own interests in mind as she negotiates with a scarecrow who owns some pumpkins that the witch and her ornery cronies want to carve on Halloween. A win-win deal depends on her finding out what the understandably wary, secretive scarecrow might want in exchange. Based on grownup, win-win research! Stimulating language. Written with classroom discussion in mind. Includes notes for teachers.
“The Pumpkin Deal blends a delightfully unique overlay of plot, invention, and moral. The story teaches kids about cooperation, creative problem-solving, intention, and ultimately, the meaning of a ‘pumpkin deal’ that changes everything.
“Delightful illustrations by Lena Venable pair nicely with a rollicking rhyme. The art– like the text–is intriguing to adult readers, as well.
Greater heart, awareness and mindfulness than the usual Halloween adventure.”
— D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Children’s Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review
“It’s really a story about negotiation, about listening and problem-solving. The older witches rant hilariously and run roughshod over their adversary, but the littlest witch has the patience to listen and finds a solution that works for everyone.”
— Geep
“I read this story to my small groups of 2nd, 4th & 5th graders this past week -- they all loved it! They were enthralled with the rhythm of the poetry and the imagery. They all enjoyed the bit of spookiness and a happy ending. They related to the choices that Cricket made despite the behavior of the band of witches throughout the story.
“We read this story twice in each group, stopping to study the vocabulary and phrases that help us understand nuances of the characters/actions better. The second reading in each group was to appreciate the cadence and rhythm of the poetry -- didn't even have to ask anyone not to interrupt, they loved hearing it so much they didn't want to make a peep. We culminated these activities by writing letters to the author and illustrator to express the students' thanks.”
— Lisa Barnett, Empower Learning Center
“I love a great picture book that can be used with older readers, and this Halloween tale fits the bill. With vivid language and alliterative delights, not only is this an enjoyable story but a great mentor text for writing, too. The A-B-CC rhyme scheme is another offer for readers and writers:
‘And before the boss could command them to stop,
The other six maniacs screamed with delight,
And flew in a fleet to the neighboring village
To burgle eight pumpkins by trickery or pillage.’
“The lovely (and spooky) illustrations offer style and an opportunity to look closer. Highly recommend for your seasonal library collection.”
— Rebecca Loveless, Structured Word Inquiry coach
“A great addition to our Halloween themed books and stories. With just a touch of the spooky, my kids and I enjoyed this tale about witches and pumpkins, working together to solve a problem. The ending was unique and I love that you have to ‘dig out its meaning.’ The beautiful artwork was spot on as well, a perfect accompaniment to the text.”
— Emily Wang