Linus and Nancy book cover — A True Tale from the Panama Canal Zone
★ 5.0 Stars on Amazon — "A treat for all!"

Linus and Nancy

A True Tale from the Panama Canal Zone

When Nancy's dad brought home a capuchin monkey, nobody expected what would happen next. Linus bit Nancy. Nancy bit him right back. And just like that, a wild, wonderful friendship was born in 1960s Panama.

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★★★★★ Hardcover · 36 Pages Ages 3+

The Story

A young girl, a wild monkey, and the
adventure of a lifetime

Illustration of Nancy and Linus the capuchin monkey running together in front of the Panama Canal Zone administration building

Sometimes the best friendships start with a bite.

In the lush Panama Canal Zone of the 1960s, young Nancy's father surprises the family with an unusual new pet — a mischievous capuchin monkey named Linus. Nancy's mother and her perfect French twist hairdo would never be the same.

After a rocky first meeting involving a surprise bite (and Nancy biting him right back), Linus decides cage life isn't for him. He escapes into the jungle — but keeps coming back every single morning, tapping on the kitchen window for his toast and jelly.

From crashing the Governor's fancy tea party to becoming the most famous troublemaker in Balboa Heights, Linus proves that the best friends really do come in unexpected packages.

Based on a True Story

The real Nancy and Linus.

This isn't fiction. Nancy Elida Baldwin Reid really did grow up with a pet capuchin monkey in the Panama Canal Zone. Here's the real Nancy with Linus.

Real black and white photograph of young Nancy Baldwin holding her pet capuchin monkey Linus and a puppy in the Panama Canal Zone, circa 1960s

The real Nancy and Linus — Panama Canal Zone, circa 1960s

Get the Book — $19.95

What Readers Are Saying

Perfect 5-Star Reviews

★★★★★

"Perfect gift for the kids. The first non-fiction children's book available with geographical and historical information about the Panama Canal told thru the eyes of a young girl and her capuchin monkey. A treat for all!"

— M Albritton

★★★★★

"What a sweet story and very educational, too. Reading about the antics of Linus makes me wish I had been raised in the Canal Zone!"

— PHarris

★★★★★

6 out of 6 reviewers gave this book five stars. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and Canal Zone families all love the story of Linus and Nancy.

— 100% Five-Star Rating on Amazon

Learn While You Read

More than a story — it's a window into Panama

Beautifully illustrated map of Panama showing the Canal Zone, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and ships passing through the Panama Canal
🌎

The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, revolutionizing global trade and travel over 100 years ago.

🌴

The Canal Zone is home to toucans, blue butterflies, sloths, and of course — capuchin monkeys like Linus.

🍭

Families in Panama enjoy tropical fruits right from their own yards — mangos, papayas, and bananas grow everywhere.

🐒

Capuchin monkeys are one of the smartest primates in the Americas and can use tools to solve problems.

☁️

Panama has only two seasons: dry season and rainy season, with spectacular thunderstorms rolling in.

A Family Rooted in Panama

Three generations in the Canal Zone

The Baldwin family formal portrait in Balboa Heights, Panama Canal Zone — Frank and Laura Baldwin with their five children and pet poodle, circa 1960s

The Baldwin family — Balboa Heights, Panama Canal Zone

Nancy's story didn't begin with a monkey. It began with a family whose roots in Panama run generations deep. Her grandfather, Floyd H. Baldwin, arrived from Kentucky and became Comptroller General of Panama at age 24. Her father, Frank A. Baldwin, served 38 years with the Panama Canal Company, rising to become the Canal's Information Officer in the Governor's staff.

Frank met NASA astronauts including Neil Armstrong and John Glenn, navigated the 1964 riots, and raised five children in the Canal Zone — all while becoming a fixture of Panamanian civic life. Nancy's mother, Laura "Coqui" García de Paredes Baldwin, brought Panamanian warmth and culture to the family.

This is the world Nancy grew up in — a vibrant blend of American and Panamanian cultures, tropical adventure, and a very mischievous monkey named Linus.

Read Frank A. Baldwin's memoirs at the University of Florida →

About the Author

Nancy Elida Baldwin Reid

Nancy Elida Baldwin Reid, author of Linus and Nancy

Nancy today

Nancy was born in Panama City in 1955 and raised in the Canal Zone, where she grew up with four brothers and an abundance of animal companions — from her beloved monkey Linus to parrots, horses, and the many dogs that would become a constant thread throughout her life.

A pioneering woman in technology, Nancy built an exceptional career at American Express, advancing from COBOL programmer to Director of Technology. Among her many accomplishments, she helped prepare the company's systems for the Y2K transition.

Now retired in Cocoa, Florida, near her beloved beach, she tends to her garden to support the local monarch butterfly population. Her generous spirit extends to all her loved ones, showing us that the best adventures, like her childhood tales with Linus, often begin close to home.

Illustrated by Yassy Duque — a writer and illustrator from Panama whose overflowing imagination brings every story to life. Discover her work at @yassyduque.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Linus and Nancy based on a true story?

Yes! Linus and Nancy is based on the real childhood of Nancy Elida Baldwin Reid, who grew up with a pet capuchin monkey named Linus in the Panama Canal Zone during the 1960s.

What age group is Linus and Nancy for?

Linus and Nancy is recommended for ages 3 and up. It's a 36-page hardcover picture book that's perfect for read-aloud time with young children, while older kids will love the true story and fun facts about Panama.

What is the Panama Canal Zone?

The Panama Canal Zone was a U.S.-administered territory surrounding the Panama Canal from 1903 to 1979. American families like the Baldwins lived and worked there, creating a unique community where American and Panamanian cultures blended together.

Where can I buy Linus and Nancy?

Linus and Nancy is available on Amazon as a hardcover for $19.95 with free shipping for Prime members. It has a perfect 5-star rating from all reviewers.

Ready to meet Linus?

A friendship that started with a bite
and lasted a lifetime.

Beautifully illustrated. Based on a true story. Perfect for readers ages 3 and up.

Buy on Amazon — $19.95

Hardcover · 36 pages · Free shipping with Prime