Caps for Sale is such a fun story, and I can see why it's still a classic even after 75+ years. I don't remember reading it as a child, but even as an adult I can find amusement in it and enjoy reading it to my children even after many repetitions.

I think one of the story's strengths is its simplicity -- there is a good blend of repetition and mystery throughout. The peddler seems like a sincere, unassuming fellow, and the way the whole situation plays out with his missing caps is made even better by the way that it appears his outwitting the monkeys might have been just an accident. And when it's all over he doesn't pat himself on the back... he simply picks up his caps and gets back to work. 

This is also a great book to read to groups (which is where I first encountered it) because that makes it all the more fun when kids get to imitate the motions of the monkeys. "Monkey see, monkey do!"

Scrounged From: A Christmas present

Format: Hardcover
Author/Illustrator: Esphyr Slobodkina
Pages: 48
Content Advisory: None

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