Monkey For Sale

It's market day in a Congolese village!

It's market day in Luzolo's village, and she has a five-franc coin to spend. Her parents tell her on market day, "No one gets something for nothing." She must choose wisely, they say, and bargain for a fair price. Then she and her friend Kiese discover that Mama Lusufu has a wild monkey for sale. They offer to trade their new purchases for the monkey, but Mama Lusufu has her eye on a new water jug made by Kiese's mother, who in turn wants a piece of embroidery made by Luzolo's mother. Luzolo's mother wants four tin cups, and the tin cup salesman wants a basket for his wife . . .

With etchings combined with vibrant collage, Sanna Stanley tells a lively story about two friends who embark on an elaborate chain of barter and bargaining to rescue a monkey.