Review Detail

I Wish I Was a Gorilla

Kids Nonfiction 489

Early Nonfiction

June 21, 2018 (Updated: June 12, 2026)

Overall rating

4.3

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

Learning Value

5.0

This level one reader introduces children to details about gorillas by asking what they would do if they WERE gorillas. What would they eat? Where would they play? How would they get along with their parents? These questions are all answered in matter-of-fact, easy to understand language, and give a nice overview about the day-to-day existence of gorilla life in the wild. There is a list of fun facts, a recipe for "ants on a log" and a glossary at the back of the book to help further understanding.

Good Points

I loved Ranger Rick magazine when I was in the first grade, and this is an excellent book to use to start studying animals! The text is set in boxes on top of very nice (if sometimes slightly dark) photographs, so children will know what gorillas look like in their natural habitat. The information is presented in a way that will make sense for children, and this book would make a great read aloud or read along, because then children could be asked about how their own lives are similar and different from the gorillas'.

There are a lot of picture books and leveled readers that cover the topics of animals, and Ranger Rick also has similar books on lions, orcas, elephants and other animals. These books could be a lot of fun on a Saturday or summer vacation day devoted to a particular animal. Combined with crafts and recipes, I can see a four year old being enthralled with the idea of being a gorilla for the day!