The Cocoa Monkey and the Koala Bear

About the Book

The Cocoa Monkey and the Koala Bear is a story poem that takes place on a tropical island. It relates the adventures of this pair of friends who set off for a day of biking and encounter a fierce tiger and a friendly whale. The author, George A. Bailey wrote this poem for his children, Chris and Teddy in Hawaii, to let them know that he was thinking of them and that he was alright, even though he was far away in a war in Vietnam.

About the Author

George Bailey was a career Army Officer serving in Vietnam in March of 1969. His wife and children were living in Hawaii and he wrote the poem as a gift for them. His 8-year old son Chris, a "monkey" if there ever was one, was very protective of his little 5-year old sister Tressa. She was nicknamed "Teddy" and became the Koala Bear. Dad is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and has an M.A. in English Literature from Ohio State University. He retired from the Army after 29 years of service and is very proud of his family.

About the Artist