Book excerpt: Funny monkey Jim Panzee, star of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, is reluctant to join the race in the jungle until banana after banana falls from above. Jim Panzee ‘s plans for a quiet morning nap are interrupted by Tortoise’s plea to join him in the jungle race. This makes Grumpy Monkey even grumpier but he reluctantly agrees. Then one of the runners bumps into a tree and bananas come raining down! The race to the finish is over as everyone, including Grumpy Monkey, races to get the biggest share of bananas. Easy-to-read words and colorful illustrations will hook young readers on the lifelong habit of reading. Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.