What Is A Squirrel Monkey? / ¿Que Es Un Mono Ardilla?

Preview Pages in Spanish and English

Squirrel monkeys are very sociable; we live in family groups.  Our range is extremely limited, and we are the rarest monkeys in Costa Rica.

Why are we endangered?  Our habitat is being destroyed.  Also, we are the cutest of all monkeys, I say with all modesty, so illegal trappers catch us and sell us.  Please, please, please, never buy a squirrel monkey!  – Jumper    

Why buy WHAT IS A SQUIRREL MONKEY? 

Children deserve to see real photographs of an adorable squirrel monkey who teaches them about Costa Rica wildlife.  Wild animals should be regarded as an essential part of our world.

The book includes facts about squirrel monkeys presented with cute photographs to illustrate them.  It includes a lesson about living that applies to growing children as well as to squirrel monkeys.

This true story of squirrel monkeys, in both English and Spanish, stresses the common links between people and a wild animal who strives to become brave.

While everything in the book actually happens, having the young squirrel monkey narrate it from his point of view exaggerates his thoughts, reactions, and ambitions, making it somewhat fictional.  A narrator of their age, fears, actions, and hopes makes it more appealing to children and the moral more convincing.

“I am both rare and endangered. I live with my friends and family along the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, a tropical area. When Carol, a superb photographer, and writer, offered to tell you about me, I was delighted. Carol travels with the noted driver-guide Luis Barrantes (LUBARO). I am happy to share my life and questions with you so that we can become friends too. I hope that you will read my story and help to respect and protect my species and my habitat.” ~ Jumper, the squirrel monkey