12 Days in the Jungle (Easy Readers; Songs into Books for Pre Pre K Book 1) by Kathryn Averyheart

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If you're looking for a vibrant, engaging, and educational book to introduce your little one to the wonders of reading, 12 Days in the Jungle (Easy Readers; Songs into Books for Pre Pre K Book 1) by Kathryn Averyheart is a fantastic choice. This delightful picture book transforms a familiar song into a jungle-themed adventure, making it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who love rhythm, repetition, and colorful illustrations.

But is it just another sing-along book, or does it offer something more? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the book’s structure, characters, themes, and why it stands out in the crowded world of early childhood literature.

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12 Days in the Jungle follows a playful, cumulative structure inspired by the classic holiday song The 12 Days of Christmas. Instead of partridges and pear trees, young readers encounter a lively assortment of jungle animals—each day brings a new creature, from swinging monkeys to slithering snakes, all adding to the growing menagerie.

The book’s rhythmic, repetitive text makes it easy for children to anticipate what comes next, reinforcing memory and language skills. The story builds excitement as the jungle gets more crowded, culminating in a joyful, chaotic finale that will have kids giggling and asking to read it again.

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While the book doesn’t have traditional "characters" in the sense of a narrative-driven story, each animal introduced has its own personality, brought to life through expressive illustrations.

• The Mischievous Monkeys – Always swinging and playing, they set the tone for fun.
• The Sneaky Snake – Slithers in quietly, adding a touch of suspense.
• The Roaring Lion – The king of the jungle makes a grand entrance.
• The Playful Parrots – Bright and colorful, they add musical chatter to the mix.

The animals’ interactions create a sense of movement and energy, making the jungle feel alive. Parents can encourage kids to mimic the animals’ sounds and movements, turning reading time into an interactive experience.

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Kathryn Averyheart’s adaptation of the song into a jungle adventure is brilliant for several reasons:

• Repetition & Predictability – Essential for early literacy, the repeating structure helps kids anticipate words and build confidence.
• Rhythm & Rhyme – The sing-song quality makes it engaging and easy to remember.
• Visual Storytelling – The illustrations complement the text, reinforcing word-object association.

The book’s simplicity is its strength—there’s no overwhelming plot, just a joyful, cumulative experience that keeps young readers hooked.

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While 12 Days in the Jungle is primarily a fun, musical book, it subtly introduces important concepts:

• Counting & Sequencing – Kids learn numbers and order as new animals join each day.
• Animal Recognition & Sounds – Great for vocabulary building.
• Pattern Recognition – The repetitive structure helps with cognitive development.
• Imagination & Play – The jungle setting sparks creative thinking.

Parents can extend the learning by asking questions like, "What sound does the snake make?" or "Can you remember which animal came first?"

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As a parent, I’ve read many children’s books, and this one stands out because:

✅ It’s Interactive – My toddler loves pointing at the animals and making noises.
✅ It’s Short but Engaging – Perfect for short attention spans.
✅ It Encourages Participation – We often sing it together instead of just reading.

The first time we read it, my little one was so excited to see what animal would appear next that they clapped at the end! That’s the magic of a well-crafted early reader.

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How does 12 Days in the Jungle stack up against similar books?

• Vs. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Bill Martin Jr.) – Both use repetition and animals, but 12 Days adds a musical twist.
• Vs. The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle) – While Carle’s book focuses on days of the week, Averyheart’s is more about cumulative counting.
• Vs. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed – Both are rhythmic, but 12 Days has a broader range of animals.

If your child enjoys any of these, they’ll likely adore 12 Days in the Jungle.

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• Perfect for Early Readers – Simple, repetitive, and engaging.

• Bright, Lively Illustrations – Visually stimulating for young kids.

• Encourages Participation – Easy to sing along with.

• Limited Story Depth – It’s a song adaptation, not a narrative story.

• May Feel Repetitive to Adults – But kids love repetition!

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• Ages 1-4 – Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.
• Parents Who Love Interactive Reading – Great for sing-alongs.
• Teachers & Librarians – Useful for group storytime.

If you’re looking for a book that combines music, animals, and early learning, this is a winner.

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While the book is more about rhythm than deep quotes, some fun lines include:

"On the first day in the jungle, what did I see? A mischievous monkey swinging in a tree!"

"On the fifth day in the jungle, what did I spy? Five colorful parrots flying up high!"

Each line is catchy and easy for kids to remember.

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The book is a playful take on The 12 Days of Christmas, a song with roots in 18th-century England. By adapting it into a jungle theme, Averyheart makes it accessible and fresh for modern kids. The use of animals from various habitats (though mostly tropical) subtly introduces biodiversity.

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12 Days in the Jungle is more than just a book—it’s an experience. The combination of music, animals, and repetition makes it a standout choice for early childhood reading. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this book will quickly become a favorite.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• Which animal did your child like the most?
• Did you sing the book or read it? How did your child respond?
• What other song-based books does your little one enjoy?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Happy reading! 📚🐘

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