With Love from Koko

Following Francine Patterson's Koko's Kitten and Koko's Story , this is the third book about the most famous gorilla since King Kong. Noted science writer McNulty presents the tale of her first encounter, in 1979, with Koko (who was only five at the time). The brief story, accompanied by soft watercolors, is an endearing picture book introduction to the gorilla that learned sign language and could communicate with her scientist-keepers. Koko's vitality and lovable personality are vividly presented in prose that, though relatively simple, never dilutes the excitement of the gorilla's accomplishments or the importance of animal research. McNulty includes an afterword on endangered gorillas. All ages. (Apr.)