“A Monkey’s Tale: Maria’s Seven Rainforest Marmosets” written by Sarah Marie Riley and illustrated by Keali‘imakamana‘onalani Po‘oloa is currently on the shelves of the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens Gift Shop. 

The book, printed by Petroglyph Press in Hilo, allows keiki to learn about marmosets.

The story follows Maria as she teaches Mike about marmosets, which are sometimes known as “pocket monkeys” due to their small size. The book also includes a section written by Runnells that shares information about marmosets and tamarins and conservation efforts that can help protect them from the threat of habitat loss.

The project is the result of a collaboration between the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, Friends of the Pana‘ewa Zoo (FOZ) and the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i. Proceeds from the book sales will go to FOZ, a non-profit that supports the zoo.

The Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is home to two marmosets.

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Kimo Alameda