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Never Tease a Weasel
A funny, finger-wagging rhyme with some very good advice: never tease a weasel, because teasing isn't nice! Rather, kids should do nice things for animals, such as bake a drake a cake, or give a mule a pool, and much more.
Long out of print, this is the original edition of Never Tease a Weasel with original artwork by Denman Hampson.
It will surely please a weasel, and everyone else who reads it!
Long out of print, this is the original edition of Never Tease a Weasel with original artwork by Denman Hampson.
It will surely please a weasel, and everyone else who reads it!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1964
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 15, 2024
A silly delight!
Lively rhymes give us verses of goofy gifts you can give various animals, followed by a chorus advising us to not tease a weasel. The numerous internal rhymes and near tongue twisters make it especially fun to read aloud.
Fun!
Lively rhymes give us verses of goofy gifts you can give various animals, followed by a chorus advising us to not tease a weasel. The numerous internal rhymes and near tongue twisters make it especially fun to read aloud.
Fun!
December 2, 2014
Another of the books that never made it to my house when my mother sent a box that disappeared ... this was my absolute favorite book when I was in kindergarten.
It's a clever rhyming book about being nice to others:
"Never tease a weasel,
And now I've said it thrice.
The weasel doesn't like it,
And teasing isn't nice."
It's a clever rhyming book about being nice to others:
"Never tease a weasel,
And now I've said it thrice.
The weasel doesn't like it,
And teasing isn't nice."
July 22, 2015
I am forever indebted to this book, for teaching me the existence of the word thrice. :-)
September 29, 2013
I kept seeing this book in the window of my local secondhand bookshop, and the title kept catching my eye so of course I had to go in and check it out - and it is just as engaging as I had hoped. I am sorry I didn't have a chance to scan some of the pages to show you George Booth's quirky and captivating, Quentin-Blake-esque illustrations, for they really connect with the text in a way that makes the original (with illustrator Denman Hampson) seem a bit hum-drum.
This is one of those rhyming stories that has no plot, just a series of scenarios that are quite ludicrous but, in the context of the book, okay to do - just as long as you never tease a weasel!
You could make a riding habit
For a rabbit if you choose;
Or make a turkey perky
With a pair of high-heeled shoes.
Essentially the book differentiates between things that are harmless fun, or just plain silly, and things that are mean - like teasing a weasel. In the end, it's better to make friends with the weasel (and watch telly with him, as in the picture). It's not that the book gives a good reason for not teasing people, but it stresses that no one likes being teased (i.e. picked on, which is just shy of bullying) and that it's more fun to be friends than to pick on others.
This is one of those rhyming stories that has no plot, just a series of scenarios that are quite ludicrous but, in the context of the book, okay to do - just as long as you never tease a weasel!
You could make a riding habit
For a rabbit if you choose;
Or make a turkey perky
With a pair of high-heeled shoes.
Essentially the book differentiates between things that are harmless fun, or just plain silly, and things that are mean - like teasing a weasel. In the end, it's better to make friends with the weasel (and watch telly with him, as in the picture). It's not that the book gives a good reason for not teasing people, but it stresses that no one likes being teased (i.e. picked on, which is just shy of bullying) and that it's more fun to be friends than to pick on others.
October 22, 2019
I don't remember this one from my childhood rotation, so it's possible I missed out on this great classic. Soule's rhyming text is clever and funny. Dr. Seuss had nothing on this gal.
The version I read is the 2007 update with illustrations by one of my favorite cartoonists - George Booth.
The version I read is the 2007 update with illustrations by one of my favorite cartoonists - George Booth.
March 23, 2009
I love this book! I remember it from when I was little. It was out of print for a long time and I am so happy it is available again.
"Never tease a weasel
Not even once or twice.
The weasel will not like it,
And teasing isn't nice!"
"Never tease a weasel
Not even once or twice.
The weasel will not like it,
And teasing isn't nice!"
January 20, 2011
My mom used to read this to my siblings and me when we were young. Every thing she got to the line "never tease a weasel" she'd poke us. For nostalgia reasons I bought her the newer edition of this book but the one we were read probably came out in the 70s or 80s.
April 21, 2025
Meh. The author kept repeating never tease a weasel because it isn’t nice but there really wasn’t anything more to it. Seemed like it should have been. 2 stars
June 23, 2015
This book is about being nice to everyone you meet. Throughout the whole story it provides examples of helping different animals out. Like “You could build a mouse a house with a chimney made of bricks.” But when it comes to the weasel, you see that the children are always bugging him, scaring him, and teasing him. In the end it states that it is better to be nice to a weasel, so he will be nice back.
I love this book because of the art work that is included. It is original, and captivating. I love the lessons that this book teaches to children. And it helps them be able to relate being nice to different animals, which all children love animals.
In a classroom setting I would definitely use this book. It helps show students that even if you really want to tease someone, it’s better to be nice to them instead. It good to be nice to everyone, and if you single out the one person, they will be sad. You will make more friends if you are nice to everyone you meet.
I love this book because of the art work that is included. It is original, and captivating. I love the lessons that this book teaches to children. And it helps them be able to relate being nice to different animals, which all children love animals.
In a classroom setting I would definitely use this book. It helps show students that even if you really want to tease someone, it’s better to be nice to them instead. It good to be nice to everyone, and if you single out the one person, they will be sad. You will make more friends if you are nice to everyone you meet.
December 29, 2009
Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! I am so excited to learn this has been reprinted, as my 1964 copy is VERY worn!
This is a DELIGHTFUL picture/rhyming book that makes "being nice" the obvious choice when dealing with weasels. My children all LOVED it as much as I did and as much as every child who ever saw it.
I have no idea if the new edition has the same wonderful, vivid illustrations with bright solid backgrounds, but it is a "must read" for kids by its rhythmic text alone.
Although they probably won't admit it, even older kids will grin as they listen. You may even catch them trying to peek at the pictures!
NOTE: I have now seen a copy of the newer edition. It is cute, but the pictures lack the vibrancy of the original. The poetic text is still amazing, though!
This is a DELIGHTFUL picture/rhyming book that makes "being nice" the obvious choice when dealing with weasels. My children all LOVED it as much as I did and as much as every child who ever saw it.
I have no idea if the new edition has the same wonderful, vivid illustrations with bright solid backgrounds, but it is a "must read" for kids by its rhythmic text alone.
Although they probably won't admit it, even older kids will grin as they listen. You may even catch them trying to peek at the pictures!
NOTE: I have now seen a copy of the newer edition. It is cute, but the pictures lack the vibrancy of the original. The poetic text is still amazing, though!
November 4, 2019
This is one on the list for Memoria Press Junior Kindergarten and our library did not have it nor had I heard about it... so I hesitated to just go buy it. I also couldn't find at our local bookstores. Finally it came through on inter-library loan and am I ever glass that it did!
From just skim previews nonlinear and the cover image I wasn't impressed. But actually reading the text and seeing all the images I am in love! This book is fabulous, cute and witty. The rhymes are adorable and there is lots of vocabulary learning potential. Truly with what I have seen so far the book lists for Memoria Press is amazing.
Going to find a copy to buy now!
From just skim previews nonlinear and the cover image I wasn't impressed. But actually reading the text and seeing all the images I am in love! This book is fabulous, cute and witty. The rhymes are adorable and there is lots of vocabulary learning potential. Truly with what I have seen so far the book lists for Memoria Press is amazing.
Going to find a copy to buy now!
July 31, 2013
This is an easy-to-read children's book about goofy moments with animals. My 1964 edition contains simplistic but colorful pictures with beasties in various stages of dress. It is both charming and foolish that just makes you feel happy. Take it for what it is: very sweet and worth the time to read to children five and up.
"But never tease a weasel;
this is very good advice.
A weasel will not like it
And teasing isn't nice!
You could make a riding habit
for a rabbit if you choose;
Or make a turkey perky
With a pair of high-heeled shoes.
You could make a collie jolly
With a gay crocheted cravat;
Or make a possum blossom
In an Easter Sunday hat."
"But never tease a weasel;
this is very good advice.
A weasel will not like it
And teasing isn't nice!
You could make a riding habit
for a rabbit if you choose;
Or make a turkey perky
With a pair of high-heeled shoes.
You could make a collie jolly
With a gay crocheted cravat;
Or make a possum blossom
In an Easter Sunday hat."
March 23, 2016
Hmmm - this book was published in 1964. Fox in Socks was published the very next year. And the dreadful What This Story Needs Is a Pig in a Wig came out in 2015. I do note that The Habits of Rabbits was published in 1957.
April 13, 2020
And never judge a book by its cover....
because my daughter wanted me to read this book to her for a bedtime story, and I thought it looked terribly dreary. (We have the original printing, bought in a bunch of books at a yard sale, and stored here at the lake). And yes, based on the cover, this book looked dull.
But what great rhymes! This is very, very good. A lot of fun to read to her, and she enjoyed it a lot.
because my daughter wanted me to read this book to her for a bedtime story, and I thought it looked terribly dreary. (We have the original printing, bought in a bunch of books at a yard sale, and stored here at the lake). And yes, based on the cover, this book looked dull.
But what great rhymes! This is very, very good. A lot of fun to read to her, and she enjoyed it a lot.
January 10, 2020
4.0 stars!
Memories? I was four. My mama taught me to never tease a weasel. The rhymes stuck with me like a fox in socks. I read it once. I read it twice. I like it so much, that I read it thrice!
"Never tease a weasel
Not even once or twice.
The weasel will not like it,
And teasing isn't nice!"
"You could make a goat a coat
With a collar trimmed in mink;
Or give a pig a wig
in a dainty shade of pink.
Give your child joy! Teach him/her to never tease a weasel.
Memories? I was four. My mama taught me to never tease a weasel. The rhymes stuck with me like a fox in socks. I read it once. I read it twice. I like it so much, that I read it thrice!
"Never tease a weasel
Not even once or twice.
The weasel will not like it,
And teasing isn't nice!"
"You could make a goat a coat
With a collar trimmed in mink;
Or give a pig a wig
in a dainty shade of pink.
Give your child joy! Teach him/her to never tease a weasel.
September 22, 2014
Whatever happened to this book? I had forgotten about it until we came upon a newer edition at the library last weekend. We had the wonderful, now out-of-print original edition when I was a kid. Didn't we?
EDIT: Yes, we did. No one seems to know what became of it, though. I just located another copy in wonderful condition. Thank you, Abe Books!
EDIT: Yes, we did. No one seems to know what became of it, though. I just located another copy in wonderful condition. Thank you, Abe Books!
February 28, 2018
I think it was the illustration of the girl with beads in her braids that drew me to this book. Then it was the rhyming words. Then it was the lesson about teasing. And then it was finished! Read this one to your children at speed, and then pick it up a notch. Try not to laugh or you'll just have to start over! A fun book!
June 19, 2008
"Never tease a weasel/not even once or twice
The weasel will not like it/and teasing isn't nice."
It's a great sentiment, and it's true, but it's advice that I've never quite taken to heart! (Apologies to everyone who knows that first hand.)
The weasel will not like it/and teasing isn't nice."
It's a great sentiment, and it's true, but it's advice that I've never quite taken to heart! (Apologies to everyone who knows that first hand.)
August 29, 2010
This is a vintage kids' book that has been republished in recent years. Unfortunately, the text was paired with new illustrations for the republication. Having read both versions, I far prefer the older one and just purchased a vintage copy to add to our home library.
November 18, 2010
The rhyming in this book makes for a bit of slightly more obscure vocabulary for kid, but it is still very cute and funny. The illustrator is known best perhaps for his cartoons in the New Yorker. Could lead to a good discussion with kids about teasing, in general.
September 7, 2012
This was my favorite book as a child. I would give it 5 stars if we were rating the original. The reprint is not illustrated as nicely, but I am still glad the book is available. I buy a copy for all my friends and families' children.
February 7, 2015
I never thought I would see this book again. It was a huge favourite of mine as a kid, and I was thrilled to find it in the library. The text is still fun to read out loud. :) While Mini-Me didn't seem quite as excited as me, I may still just buy it for nostalgia's sake.
May 10, 2016
Which is better? Saying "...or make a turkey perky with a pair of high-heeled shoes..." to a bunch of third graders or showing the accompanying illustration to that gaggle of third graders?! It was a toss up in my read aloud!
June 30, 2016
Dr. Seuss like rhyming book. Totally ridiculous. Love it and wonder where it's been all my life.
For teachers, this book could easily be used for rhyming patterns. It could also be used for context clues as well.
For teachers, this book could easily be used for rhyming patterns. It could also be used for context clues as well.
November 20, 2019
A very humorous book with many opportunities for teaching rhyme. It is also a brilliant book for reading for pleasure. I read this to a mixed Yr 1/2 class - they were howling at the fast pace of the rhyming couplets and the anthropomorphism of animals in high heels and wooden houses!
July 23, 2007
A funny story that will make both children and adults laugh out loud. The illustrations of the pig in a pink wig and the goat in a coat are just perfect.
November 28, 2007
So cute! Love the rhymes, is fun to read out loud to little kids; I do like the older edition's illustrations better though!
April 1, 2008
Love this book! I first owned an old copy from '64 and loved the little story. This particular one is the newly illustrated 2007 version - great pictures!
July 6, 2008
oh, probably the best book ever written, with the best loving-kindness advice ever given...
August 22, 2008
i love the child books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews