As I analyze the book and movie versions of Summer of The Monkeys, I've discovered several differences that set them apart. For instance, the number of monkeys in the story varied greatly. In the book, there were 29 monkeys, including a chimpanzee, while the movie only featured four chimpanzees. Additionally, in the book, Jay Berry did not get to have his paint horse, and they never made a trip to the hospital to correct Daisy's leg. The cost of the monkeys was also different between the book and the movie, with the book noting a price tag of $156, while the movie listed it at $58. Other differences include Jay Berry not receiving his 22 in the movie, and Grandpa not being as involved in the film as he was in the book.
Despite the differences, there were also some similarities between the book and the movie versions of Summer of The Monkeys. Both featured a family of four and Rowdy the dog, and Jay Berry's Grandpa was also present in both. Additionally, the circus offered money for the monkeys, which Jay Berry used to help Daisy with her leg. There was also a Fairy or Angel Ring that Daisy made a wish in, and Jay Berry meets a pretty girl. In both versions, they encounter The Old Man of The Mountains, who they believed to be God, and Daisy's wish ends up coming true for Jay Berry.
After reading the book, it's clear that it can be a bit confusing for some readers. The author tried to integrate both legend and Christianity into the story, which could make it a bit tricky to follow. However, the book does an excellent job of showing how a child's maturity level can progress, and how he learns to care for others before his own needs. Overall, it's a great book for middle schoolers to learn from and discuss, as it raises questions about morality and religion. While some may not agree with The Old Man of The Mountains' actions, it's worth reading and analyzing for oneself.