Friend Monkey

With only a moment to escape from sinister animal collector, Professor McWhirter, Monkey, still exuberant in spite of the dangerous voyage from his tropical home, leaps from his hiding place straight into Mr. Linnet's arms. He wraps his tail snugly around his new friend's waist, and in a flash the unlikely pair is traveling from the London docks across the city to the safety of Mr. Linnet's astonished family.The family is sure they do not want a wild animal. But Monkey, courteous and charming, whose only fault is helping too much, can see that he is needed. Comforting truculent Little Trehunsey, washing the dishes, strolling with Edward and the dogs through their little row of tombstones, there is always more to be done, until Monkey crosses the path of Queen Victoria and leads his friends into a spiral of calamities and the unexpected fulfillment of dreams.Written by the creator of Mary Poppins, this story of comedy, adventure, and intrigue holds at its center a warning and an exaltation of love.With an Afterword by Jonathan Cott, author of Piper at the Gates of Dawn.