Em and I loved reading Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart. Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart takes you and your child on an adventure to help everyone navigate big feelings while discovering inner peace. Written by New York Times best-selling author Kimberly Snyder and Jon Bier, and illustrated by Donald Wu, this uplifting story takes readers on a jungle journey filled with wisdom, friendship, and emotional growth.

Plot Summary:

Chilla Gorilla befriends Lanky Lemur. Together, they embark on a series of adventures, teaching Lanky how to use his heart’s wisdom to work thought intense, common, emotions like frustration, anger, and fear. Chilla’s mentorship leads Lanky toward harmony, tranquility, and joy. As they explore the jungle, Lanky learns that feelings come and go, but the heart holds a calm place where peace and love can grow.

Key Themes:

• Friendship: Chilla and Lanky’s unbreakable bond demonstrates the power of friendship in overcoming challenges. Emilia and I discussed how Chilla helps Lanky get through hard times. I asked her many questions regarding friendships that she has at school, church, and extracurricular activities. I asked her “What makes a good friend?”
• Emotional Intelligence: The story emphasizes tuning into our hearts and finding inner peace amidst intense emotions. We have many intense emotions in our home having a school-aged child and toddler, so this was a great reminder of how to work through big feelings.
• Resilience: Lanky learns to navigate difficult feelings with Chilla’s guidance. Resilence is a word that Em hears often. A mantra we say together is “Be resilient,” so I feel that Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart helps drive this important point.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Heartwarming and relatable, this book resonates with readers of all ages. Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart is geared for children ages 3-8 (preschool through Grade 3).
• I am obsessed with Donald Wu’s illustrations. He is truly talented. I love the vibrant colors. Em and I were captivated and engaged the entire book.
• The lessons on social-emotional regulation are valuable for both children and adults. I gravitate to read Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart when I feel that our family needs a reset. It is usually chaotic in our home after dinner and before bed, so Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart is the perfect book to read to calm minds and high emotions.

Final Thoughts:

Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart is a charming jungle adventure that encourages self-awareness, empathy, and finding peace within. Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart is a delightful addition to any library.

Purchase Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart on Amazon.

Authors Kimberly Snyder and Jon Bier, and illustrator Donald Wu can be found on Instagram along with 4U2B Books & Media.