Never Smile at a Monkey

Never Smile at a Monkey presents animal behaviors that can be dangerous to humans. The book catalogs fifteen creatures and their unexpected defense mechanisms or aggressive tendencies. Each spread features Jenkins' signature cut-paper illustrations alongside text explaining why the featured animal should be avoided. The descriptions provide scientific context while maintaining accessibility for young readers. The straightforward format allows the serious subject matter to be presented in a way that informs rather than frightens. The book serves as both a natural science resource and a practical guide to wildlife safety, highlighting the importance of respecting wild animals.

Parents and educators appreciate this book's detailed animal facts and engaging presentation of dangerous creatures. Teachers report it works well for elementary science units and captures students' attention through the surprising behaviors described. Readers liked: - Cut-paper illustrations that show animal details - Clear explanations of why certain animals are dangerous - Format that builds suspense with "don't" warnings - Balance of facts and cautionary messages - Appeal to both younger and older children Common criticisms: - Some found the title misleading since monkeys appear last - A few noted it could frighten sensitive children - Several wanted more detailed scientific information Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (160+ ratings) Multiple librarians and teachers commented that children frequently check out this book and request repeat readings. One parent noted: "My 6-year-old loves sharing these animal facts with everyone he meets."

Life in the Dark by Nicola Davies Facts about animals who survive in dark environments and caves reveal the surprising abilities of nature's nighttime creatures.

Predator and Prey by Susannah Davidson Each spread illustrates the relationship between predators and their prey through the food chain with details about hunting techniques and survival strategies.

Venom by Marilyn Singer Information about venomous creatures from spiders to mammals demonstrates nature's defense mechanisms and hunting adaptations.

Nature's Deadliest Creatures by Matt Roper Descriptions and statistics about lethal animals showcase the defensive and offensive capabilities that make these species dangerous to humans.

Extreme Animals by Nicola Davies Facts about creatures that survive in harsh conditions reveal the physical adaptations that allow animals to thrive in challenging environments.

🦒 Author Steve Jenkins has created over 30 children's books about animals, earning him multiple awards including a Caldecott Honor. 🎨 The distinctive illustrations in the book are made from cut and torn paper collages, a signature style Jenkins developed over years of artistic experimentation. ⚠️ The book's title comes from the fact that some primates interpret a human smile as a threat display, since showing teeth is often an aggressive gesture in the animal kingdom. 🦋 While many of the animals featured in the book are large predators, some of the deadliest creatures mentioned are quite small, like the cone snail and the blue-ringed octopus. 🏆 Never Smile at a Monkey was named an Outstanding Science Trade Book by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and Children's Book Council.