Pink Monkeys

By: Richard S. Hartmetz

Narrated by: John Carter Aimone

A little bird sits high on a wire, watching the strange pink monkeys below him. Father bird warns him that they are dangerous, but he is curious and decides to ask the other animals about them. He questions a robin, a horse, a cow, a honeybee, an ant, a dog, a deer, a rabbit, and an owl, all of whom warn him of the dangers connected to the fearsome beasts. The owl tells the little bird how they fight in great wars, and participate in animal slavery, poisoning the air and water, and even killing their own kind. The little bird can scarcely believe that such creatures exist, so he goes out into the world to see for himself. Then he is injured by a giant metal beast and captured by one of the pink monkeys. Are they truly as fierce as he has been told, or will he need their help to survive? This is a truly enlightening picture book sprinkled with healthy doses of introspection for everyone who has ever wondered what “animals” really think.

©2012 Richard S Hartmetz (P)2019 Richard S Hartmetz

Short listen with a big message...

Pink Monkeys by Richard S. Hartmetz and narrated by John Carter Aimone is a short listen with a big message.

What’s it about? A little bird flies around asking a variety of older animals about the pink monkeys (humans) he sees and receives all bad answers. One day the little bird is injured by a vehicle and a pink monkey ends up taking care of him. He discovers not everything he has heard is true and ends up living a happy life and passing the message down to his little birds. The narrator, John Carter Aimone, did a good job. The reason I gave it four stars all around is the beginning was a little rough, but as the story progressed, the message became a more positive one and narration became smoother.

“Why did they (humans) not speak the language of nature?”
“Humans who kill their own kind have no compassion for animals.”
“I am not without hope that some day they may yet learn to live in peace amongst themselves with the rest of nature.”

Overall I recommend as there’s bigger messages to the story that benefit most ages.

*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!

cute and fun

This is a fun perspective short story, genuinely enjoyed it. I also liked the narrator's playful tone.