Write a series of poems inspired by Gorilla about your own pet (or dream pet). Which illustration is your favorite? Why? Why do you think the illustrator used the colors that he did? What does Cecelia mean when she says she’s “Gorilla’s human?” Whose human are you? How do Gorilla and Cecelia help each other? What is the best part of having a pet? What is the most difficult?

Would you say that Gorilla and Cecelia ever have a fight? How do they resolve it? Does your pet ever make you angry? How? How do Gorilla and Cecelia make a mess? What is the biggest mess you ever made? What does Gorilla do when Cecelia is sick one day? What do your pets do for you?Įxplain what happens when the phone rings. Who is the boss between Gorilla and Cecelia? Is your pet bossy or bossed? What makes you say this? Would you like her for a pet or not? Why? What do you learn by reading the very first poem? Have you ever had a friend of the same name? Was it ever confusing?ĭescribe Gorilla. Who do you think this book is about? Why?

What is the strangest pet names you’ve ever heard of? How did you name your own pet? When Gorilla Goes Walking is his first picture book with Orchard.

Shane Evans is the illustrator of many terrific children’s books including Nobody Gonna Turn Me ‘Round by Doreen Rappaport, and The Shark Series by Jean Marzollo. She is the recipient of 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. She’s also written Come Sunday, an ALA Notable Book the YA novel Jazmin’s Notebook, a Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book and the YA novel Bronx Masquerade, winner of the 2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award. Nikki Grimes’s acclaimed body of work for children includes Welcome Precious Talkin’ About Bessie, a 2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award honor book Stepping Out with Grandma Mac and Shoe Magic. Experience their unique relationship through the award-winning Nikki Grimes’s lyrical poetry and Shane Evans’s vibrant, bold illustrations. Gorilla is an affectionate, jealous, lovable cat who constantly wants to play with Cecelia. 'When Gorilla goes walking, the neighbors laugh and stare at her tailless rump and her very proud air.'

Welcome precious by nikki grimes