I don't know about likes, but dislikes certainly affect villagers' ability to complete certain tasks -- villagers who dislike the ocean, fish, turnips, or coconuts will run away from them (or the food bin, for those who dislike certain foods), so they don't make efficient farmers. Villagers who like running will run all the time (until they're elderly), and villagers that hate running walk very slowly all the time (like they're elderly).

Just because they "like" something doesn't necessary mean they are easier to train, though -- but I bet a villager who likes the ocean will be more efficient at fishing than another who doesn't.

"Monkey children" is just some posters' way of referring to kids they find particularly ugly -- they're not anything special.

I won't spoil your end game questions -- but "end" happens once you've solved all the puzzles (and gotten all the collectibles if you like). Kinda like VV1.

And as for the stews, I suggest watching your villagers once they eat them -- some of the stews do have neat effects, and some don't.

-- jen