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Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember
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About the
•Steve Jenkins has written and illustrated many nonfiction picture books for young readers, including the Caldecott Honor-winning What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? His books have been called stunning, eye-popping, inventive, gorgeous, masterful, extraordinary, playful, irresistible, compelling, engaging, accessible, glorious, and informative. He lives in Colorado with his wife and frequent collaborator, Robin Page, and their children.
Steve Jenkins
Steve Jenkins
Mifflin Books for Children
Published
#of
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2009
24 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Steve Jenkins
137 books239 followersSteve was born in 1952 in Hickory, North Carolina. His father, who would become a physics professor and astronomer (and recently his co-author on a book about the Solar System), was in the military and, later, working on science degrees at several different universities. We moved often. Steve lived in North Carolina, Panama, Virginia, Kansas, and Colorado. Wherever he lived, he kept a menagerie of lizards, turtles, spiders, and other animals, collected rocks and fossils, and blew things up in his small chemistry lab.
Because he moved often, Steve didn't have a large group of friends, and he spent a lot of time with books. His parents read to him until he could read himself, and he became an obsessive reader.
His interest in science led me to believe that I'd be a scientist himself. At the last minute, he chose instead to go to art school in North Carolina, where he studied graphic design. After graduation he moved to New York City, where he worked in advertising and design, first in large firms and then with his wife, Robin Page, in their own small graphic design firm. Robin, also an author and illustrator, is his frequent collaborator — they've made sixteen children's books together.
Their daughter Page was born in 1986 and our son, Alec, two years later. They began reading to them when they were just a few months old, and Steve became interested in making children's books himself. My wife and I read to our two older children almost every night until hisdaughter was 12 or 13, long after they were reading on their own. It was, in many ways, the best part of the day.
In 1994 they moved to from New York City to Boulder, Colorado, where they work in a studio attached to their house, which was built in the 1880s and often functions as if it were still the 19th century.
Their youngest son, Jamie, was born in 1998. The questions his children asked over the years have been the inspiration for many of their books.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Because he moved often, Steve didn't have a large group of friends, and he spent a lot of time with books. His parents read to him until he could read himself, and he became an obsessive reader.
His interest in science led me to believe that I'd be a scientist himself. At the last minute, he chose instead to go to art school in North Carolina, where he studied graphic design. After graduation he moved to New York City, where he worked in advertising and design, first in large firms and then with his wife, Robin Page, in their own small graphic design firm. Robin, also an author and illustrator, is his frequent collaborator — they've made sixteen children's books together.
Their daughter Page was born in 1986 and our son, Alec, two years later. They began reading to them when they were just a few months old, and Steve became interested in making children's books himself. My wife and I read to our two older children almost every night until hisdaughter was 12 or 13, long after they were reading on their own. It was, in many ways, the best part of the day.
In 1994 they moved to from New York City to Boulder, Colorado, where they work in a studio attached to their house, which was built in the 1880s and often functions as if it were still the 19th century.
Their youngest son, Jamie, was born in 1998. The questions his children asked over the years have been the inspiration for many of their books.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
September 26, 2010
I love Steve Jenkins; books!
This is a fun (and potentially scary) science/nature book for school aged kids.
There is a short introduction, then in one or two pages each it covers 18 animals with an illustration and a short paragraph about what not to do and why to do so would be dangerous, and then there’s a section at the end, also with illustrations, that gives somewhat more in depth information for each animal described in the earlier section of the book. At the end, there’s a short for further reading book list.
For easily frightened children, I’d recommend reading this when safely at home or school, and not on a trip to the ocean or on an African safari, etc. I appreciate that Jenkins makes clear the dangers these animals pose are there for their own protection, that their weapons evolved for their own survival. But, I wouldn’t want to run into one of these species in the wrong way or at the wrong time, especially without knowing the facts presented in this book.
This is a fun (and potentially scary) science/nature book for school aged kids.
There is a short introduction, then in one or two pages each it covers 18 animals with an illustration and a short paragraph about what not to do and why to do so would be dangerous, and then there’s a section at the end, also with illustrations, that gives somewhat more in depth information for each animal described in the earlier section of the book. At the end, there’s a short for further reading book list.
For easily frightened children, I’d recommend reading this when safely at home or school, and not on a trip to the ocean or on an African safari, etc. I appreciate that Jenkins makes clear the dangers these animals pose are there for their own protection, that their weapons evolved for their own survival. But, I wouldn’t want to run into one of these species in the wrong way or at the wrong time, especially without knowing the facts presented in this book.
March 29, 2020
Yes, I do generally very much enjoy Steve Jenkins' picture books. And most definitely, Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember does very much present and feature Jenkins' signature (and indeed engagingly delightful) combination of informative text (which is educational but also never too difficult for the intended age group, for children from about the age of seven or so onwards) and his expressive and visually stunning collage like accompanying artwork (both realistic and imaginative and always always a visual treat), with the added bonus that Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember also contains a short bibliography with five suggestions for further reading in the supplemental details and information section of Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember (something that I certainly do very much appreciate, as not every Steve Jenkins picture book I have encountered includes bibliographical lists).
However, even though I have for the most part found Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember enlightening and interesting, I have also found this book rather lacking in one main and necessary point of reality. For in my humble opinion, while it is of course essential to make children (to make anyone for that matter) aware of the possible dangers that animals can and do pose (such as the eighteen species presented in Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember), I do wish that Steve Jenkins had not focussed his attention so much on the possible threats to human life, but had instead provided a more delicately and deliberately balanced narrative (as it certainly has felt to and for me as though Jenkins is trying to actively make the animals encountered in Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember appear a trifle like monsters to be feared, which I do feel is rather sad, as MOST of the encountered animals will actually not be all that much of a threat to humans if they are left alone and in fact, the vast majority of the eighteen creatures would likely and on the whole encounter far more dangers and threats from us humans than vice versa). Still highly recommended but indeed with the necessary caveat that I for one do strongly believe that Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember might very well require discussion and clarification, for the eighteen presented animal species are actually NOT animals to be either feared or despised but simply to be approached with care and prudence.
However, even though I have for the most part found Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember enlightening and interesting, I have also found this book rather lacking in one main and necessary point of reality. For in my humble opinion, while it is of course essential to make children (to make anyone for that matter) aware of the possible dangers that animals can and do pose (such as the eighteen species presented in Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember), I do wish that Steve Jenkins had not focussed his attention so much on the possible threats to human life, but had instead provided a more delicately and deliberately balanced narrative (as it certainly has felt to and for me as though Jenkins is trying to actively make the animals encountered in Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember appear a trifle like monsters to be feared, which I do feel is rather sad, as MOST of the encountered animals will actually not be all that much of a threat to humans if they are left alone and in fact, the vast majority of the eighteen creatures would likely and on the whole encounter far more dangers and threats from us humans than vice versa). Still highly recommended but indeed with the necessary caveat that I for one do strongly believe that Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember might very well require discussion and clarification, for the eighteen presented animal species are actually NOT animals to be either feared or despised but simply to be approached with care and prudence.
September 15, 2009
Ladies and gentlemen do you know what your children desire? What they really want and so often are unable to attain? Practical advice. I don’t mean the kind of standard parlor fare they hear so often every day (“Don’t chew with your mouth open”, “Don’t poke the baby”, “Don’t attempt asbestos removal on your own”, etc.). I'm talking about practical advice for surviving in the wild. Here’s an example. You’re in a boat, floating down the Nile, and you suddenly find yourself facing a hippo. What, in this particular situation, should you NOT do? Hm? Any ideas? Or what if there’s a particularly charming Humboldt squid in the neighborhood and it invites you out for a leisurely swim. What should be your response? Kids are being told what not to do all the time, but it might make for a nice change of pace if they knew that if they did one thing or another they could potentially DIE a horrid and painful death. Steve Jenkins taps into the faux pas of the natural world giving us his standard cut paper lusciousness alongside a text that is funny, furious, and furry all at once. As good advice goes, Never Smile at a Monkey turns out to be just the tip of the iceberg.
Using eighteen examples, Steve Jenkins enters the natural world and tells it like it is. First off, "NEVER pet a platypus". Simple text explains that as cute as they are, "the platypus...is the only poisonous mammal." The book continues in this manner, beginning each spread with instruction on on what NEVER to do, and following it up with the explanation why. Cut paper illustrations of fish and fowl, insects and mammals dot the text. At the end further information is given about each creature, and a Bibliography for further reading is included. So don't let that big-eyed cassowary fool you. She'll kick you in the chest soon as look at you if she has half a mind to.
I get parents and kids in my library all the time looking for non-fiction books with words easy enough for a beginning reader. And sure, we have some leveled stuff, but when their eyes turn longingly to some of the more artistic titles you know you have to find them something ANYTHING that’s written for smaller tykes. Jenkins is careful to make the text in this book something a dedicated seven or eight-year-old might be able to read on their own. And think of all the cool new words they’ll learn! “Lethal”. “Unpredictable”. “Venomous”.
The great thing about Never Smile at a Monkey (aside from the title) is that the concept instantly grabs you. I fully intend to booktalk this to the classes of kids that come into my library by telling them, “This book could save your life!” I’ll then follow it up with, “Why should you never squeeze a cane toad? Any ideas? How about the blue ringed octopus? Can you tell me why this books says to, ‘NEVER bother a blue-ringed octopus’?” And yes, the descriptions of what can happen to you if you do not follow this book’s advice can be a little gory. But Jenkins doesn’t actually show a cassowary delivering lethal kicks to an unsuspecting person or a spitting cobra making contact with a pair of eyeballs. Kids love hearing about gory stuff anyway. When you tell them that a box jellyfish can wrap you up in its tentacles after spotting you with its twenty-four eyes and kill you instantly, they’ll be horrified and delighted all at once. You can even flip to the back of the book and see all the animals in their various attack modes, sans victims. You may never look at a platypus the same way again.
Of course, if you’ve ever seen one of Jenkins’ books then you know what to expect with this one. He makes cut paper lift off the page without the need of pop-ups (though, admittedly, I’m convinced that someday he’ll do a project with pop-up artist Robert Sabuda and then the world will gasp for the glory of it all). Essentially Jenkins has mastered (and I don’t think he really gets enough credit for this) the art of making paper fibers look like fur. Look at the cover if you don’t believe me. The rhesus monkey staring intently at you has a soft brown coat that tufts up around its ears and mouth just as real fur would. Jenkins has even found a way to distinguish this fluffy fur-like paper fiber from the equally pulled apart but not fluffy at all fibers found in the monkey’s great green irises. Turn the book to the back and there’s the monkey again, only this time his teeth are on sharp, horrid display. You’d be forgiven for hastily removing your hand from the book after looking at this.
I suppose that in a lot of ways the book this bears the most similarities to in my mind is another Jenkins title called Actual Size. He’s not really a gimmicky author, but the spin on that book was that all the images inside were the same size as they were in real life. And in both cases the cover shows a primate staring at the reader. In Actual Size the primate is small and adorable. Here, you get the distinct impression that this monkey has got your number, and he doesn’t like what he sees one bit. Kids, on the other hand, will take one look at this title and cover and find themselves irresistibly drawn to a book that instructs them in nature’s fickle ways. Another gorgeous Jenkins creation for the kids who like the thought of living life on the edge.
Ages 4-9.
Using eighteen examples, Steve Jenkins enters the natural world and tells it like it is. First off, "NEVER pet a platypus". Simple text explains that as cute as they are, "the platypus...is the only poisonous mammal." The book continues in this manner, beginning each spread with instruction on on what NEVER to do, and following it up with the explanation why. Cut paper illustrations of fish and fowl, insects and mammals dot the text. At the end further information is given about each creature, and a Bibliography for further reading is included. So don't let that big-eyed cassowary fool you. She'll kick you in the chest soon as look at you if she has half a mind to.
I get parents and kids in my library all the time looking for non-fiction books with words easy enough for a beginning reader. And sure, we have some leveled stuff, but when their eyes turn longingly to some of the more artistic titles you know you have to find them something ANYTHING that’s written for smaller tykes. Jenkins is careful to make the text in this book something a dedicated seven or eight-year-old might be able to read on their own. And think of all the cool new words they’ll learn! “Lethal”. “Unpredictable”. “Venomous”.
The great thing about Never Smile at a Monkey (aside from the title) is that the concept instantly grabs you. I fully intend to booktalk this to the classes of kids that come into my library by telling them, “This book could save your life!” I’ll then follow it up with, “Why should you never squeeze a cane toad? Any ideas? How about the blue ringed octopus? Can you tell me why this books says to, ‘NEVER bother a blue-ringed octopus’?” And yes, the descriptions of what can happen to you if you do not follow this book’s advice can be a little gory. But Jenkins doesn’t actually show a cassowary delivering lethal kicks to an unsuspecting person or a spitting cobra making contact with a pair of eyeballs. Kids love hearing about gory stuff anyway. When you tell them that a box jellyfish can wrap you up in its tentacles after spotting you with its twenty-four eyes and kill you instantly, they’ll be horrified and delighted all at once. You can even flip to the back of the book and see all the animals in their various attack modes, sans victims. You may never look at a platypus the same way again.
Of course, if you’ve ever seen one of Jenkins’ books then you know what to expect with this one. He makes cut paper lift off the page without the need of pop-ups (though, admittedly, I’m convinced that someday he’ll do a project with pop-up artist Robert Sabuda and then the world will gasp for the glory of it all). Essentially Jenkins has mastered (and I don’t think he really gets enough credit for this) the art of making paper fibers look like fur. Look at the cover if you don’t believe me. The rhesus monkey staring intently at you has a soft brown coat that tufts up around its ears and mouth just as real fur would. Jenkins has even found a way to distinguish this fluffy fur-like paper fiber from the equally pulled apart but not fluffy at all fibers found in the monkey’s great green irises. Turn the book to the back and there’s the monkey again, only this time his teeth are on sharp, horrid display. You’d be forgiven for hastily removing your hand from the book after looking at this.
I suppose that in a lot of ways the book this bears the most similarities to in my mind is another Jenkins title called Actual Size. He’s not really a gimmicky author, but the spin on that book was that all the images inside were the same size as they were in real life. And in both cases the cover shows a primate staring at the reader. In Actual Size the primate is small and adorable. Here, you get the distinct impression that this monkey has got your number, and he doesn’t like what he sees one bit. Kids, on the other hand, will take one look at this title and cover and find themselves irresistibly drawn to a book that instructs them in nature’s fickle ways. Another gorgeous Jenkins creation for the kids who like the thought of living life on the edge.
Ages 4-9.
September 3, 2015
Did you know that hippos kill more people in Africa than any other wild animal? That is why you should never harass a hippopotamus! Did you know that the spitting cobra can spit its venom accurately for more than eight feet, and it aims for the eyes? That is why you should never stare at a spitting cobra!
Cool, huh? I loved learning these and other facts while reading this great book by Steve Jenkins. This is another book he has written for older children, but in this one he resolved my one complaint from Living Color of too much text. I think this one strikes a perfect balance in a nonfiction picture book for children. Each page has one warning such as "Never touch a tang" along with a short paragraph explaining why it is dangerous to touch a tang - a popular aquarium fish which has a razor-sharp spine on either side of its tail which can inflict life-threatening wounds if the tang is large enough. Each page also includes one of Steve Jenkins' trademark cut and torn paper collage illustrations. The format is simple yet contains fascinating information about a wide variety of animals. He also includes a section in the back with additional information about each animal.
Just a few other facts I learned:
For those who like to collect collective nouns, a group of hippos is called a bloat, a group of kangaroos is a mob, and a group of monkeys is a troop.
The cassowary is the third largest bird in the world (behind the ostrich and the emu) but is the only armored bird in the world due to the bony "helmet" on its head.
Humboldt squid can grow to be as much as six and a half feet long and are also called jumbo flying squid because they sometimes jet from the water and glide through the air for several yards to escape danger.
Never collect a cone shell. It has barbs that can be launched like harpoons and that are so poisonous you can die within minutes of being stabbed.
More than 5,000 human deaths have been caused by contact with the box jellyfish's stinging tentacles. The box jellyfish is the only jellyfish with eyes.
Cool, huh? I loved learning these and other facts while reading this great book by Steve Jenkins. This is another book he has written for older children, but in this one he resolved my one complaint from Living Color of too much text. I think this one strikes a perfect balance in a nonfiction picture book for children. Each page has one warning such as "Never touch a tang" along with a short paragraph explaining why it is dangerous to touch a tang - a popular aquarium fish which has a razor-sharp spine on either side of its tail which can inflict life-threatening wounds if the tang is large enough. Each page also includes one of Steve Jenkins' trademark cut and torn paper collage illustrations. The format is simple yet contains fascinating information about a wide variety of animals. He also includes a section in the back with additional information about each animal.
Just a few other facts I learned:
For those who like to collect collective nouns, a group of hippos is called a bloat, a group of kangaroos is a mob, and a group of monkeys is a troop.
The cassowary is the third largest bird in the world (behind the ostrich and the emu) but is the only armored bird in the world due to the bony "helmet" on its head.
Humboldt squid can grow to be as much as six and a half feet long and are also called jumbo flying squid because they sometimes jet from the water and glide through the air for several yards to escape danger.
Never collect a cone shell. It has barbs that can be launched like harpoons and that are so poisonous you can die within minutes of being stabbed.
More than 5,000 human deaths have been caused by contact with the box jellyfish's stinging tentacles. The box jellyfish is the only jellyfish with eyes.
March 6, 2012
As a kid I probably would have loved this. I adored anything having to do with "fastest" "largest" "slowest" "strongest" etc. So, how cool to have a book about 18 dangerous (and possibly deadly) creatures.
Things I liked:
The book doesn't just focus on "typical" animals. Meaning, we learn about the cone shell, the cane toad and the electric caterpillar. And, of the more familiar animals, we get specifics: instead of just a snake, instead of just a cobra, it's a spitting cobra. Instead of just jellyfish, it's a box jellyfish, etc.
The illustrations are nice, and make the text less scary since, in my opinion, some of these creatures looked rather cute!
On the downside, the text got a little redundant. Yes, we got the specifics of how the creature is dangers (which was really interesting) but basically they all seemed to end with "if you're unlucky enough to get stung/bit/face-to-face by one of these it may result in great pain or even death". Which, is sort of the point of the book, but it just started to loose its impact a bit. (thankfully, there's a detailed back matter on each animal which is really great).
Also, there was a part of me that wanted it a little more clear that these animals are just going about their lives, that they aren't malicious and you'll only get hurt when you cross over into their territory. This is sort of mentioned a few times, but part of me wanted it more clearly stated.
So, all in all it was an enjoyable book! But I would caution parents to read it before handing it over to a sensitive or worrisome kid. I don't think it would have bothered me, but I could picture a child reading it and then becoming a little afraid to go play outside without reassurance.
Things I liked:
The book doesn't just focus on "typical" animals. Meaning, we learn about the cone shell, the cane toad and the electric caterpillar. And, of the more familiar animals, we get specifics: instead of just a snake, instead of just a cobra, it's a spitting cobra. Instead of just jellyfish, it's a box jellyfish, etc.
The illustrations are nice, and make the text less scary since, in my opinion, some of these creatures looked rather cute!
On the downside, the text got a little redundant. Yes, we got the specifics of how the creature is dangers (which was really interesting) but basically they all seemed to end with "if you're unlucky enough to get stung/bit/face-to-face by one of these it may result in great pain or even death". Which, is sort of the point of the book, but it just started to loose its impact a bit. (thankfully, there's a detailed back matter on each animal which is really great).
Also, there was a part of me that wanted it a little more clear that these animals are just going about their lives, that they aren't malicious and you'll only get hurt when you cross over into their territory. This is sort of mentioned a few times, but part of me wanted it more clearly stated.
So, all in all it was an enjoyable book! But I would caution parents to read it before handing it over to a sensitive or worrisome kid. I don't think it would have bothered me, but I could picture a child reading it and then becoming a little afraid to go play outside without reassurance.
March 7, 2012
I'm giving this four stars because I think it is well done, although I didn't particularly like it myself. I think that, for some kids, this will be a really fun and interesting way to learn about different creatures. I know there is appeal in learning about dangerous animals, and what makes them dangerous. I appreciate that Jenkins focused on how these are adaptation for the animals to survive in the wild and that most of them are not viscous because they are "bad" or "monsters". He writes in a creative and engaging way--I liked the alliteration. Even so, I think this book could really freak some kids out because it goes into the dangers of even seemingly cute/innocent creatures, like the platypus. Personally, I didn't like reading about all the ways one could die from encounters with 18 different animals. But, again, I think the book is well-written, and the information in the back expands the information telling more about where the animals are found in the wild, etc. which is especially good as he does include some lesser known creatures (which is neat).
November 10, 2019
An advice manual of a different kind, this fabulous picture-book from Steve Jenkins - the author/artist behind such innovative natural history titles as
Actual Size
and
Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea
- is both educational and informative, giving young readers a list of very important instructions. "Never pet a platypus... Never corner a cassowary... Never bother a blue-ringed octopus... (and of course!) Never smile at a monkey!
Accompanied by Jenkins' distinctive cut-paper illustrations, and followed by a three page afterword that gives more information about each of the eighteen fearsome species profiled here, Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember profiles some amazing creatures, all deadly if approached in the wrong way (or at all - you won't catch me cozying up to any African buffalo!), and all quite fascinating, as a consequence, to young readers. This is my second Jenkins' title, and I am once again impressed with the engaging manner in which he presents his information, and the consequent excitement about the natural world his books undoubtedly encourage! I look forward to exploring more of this talented author/artist's work, and recommend this one to all young animal lovers - particularly those who enjoy a few thrills!
Accompanied by Jenkins' distinctive cut-paper illustrations, and followed by a three page afterword that gives more information about each of the eighteen fearsome species profiled here, Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember profiles some amazing creatures, all deadly if approached in the wrong way (or at all - you won't catch me cozying up to any African buffalo!), and all quite fascinating, as a consequence, to young readers. This is my second Jenkins' title, and I am once again impressed with the engaging manner in which he presents his information, and the consequent excitement about the natural world his books undoubtedly encourage! I look forward to exploring more of this talented author/artist's work, and recommend this one to all young animal lovers - particularly those who enjoy a few thrills!
May 6, 2016
This book is really interesting. It talks about all these different, random animals that can kill you and how they can kill you. I learned so much.
April 1, 2025
This is my granddaughter's favorite book, but authors and people need to STOP using the words poisonous and venomous interchangeably. They are different things! Who edited this??
December 21, 2017
Just as terrific, or terrifying, as you'd expect it to be. I mean, the animals are shown isolated, no gore or anything, but still.... And there is further info. about each in the back, and even a bibliography for more reading if you still have a need for more thrills. Is it a testosterone thing? I got enough from these few pages!
November 15, 2012
Grade/interest level: Middle school (6th-7th)
Reading level: Fountas and Pinnell, W,X,Y
Lexile: 920
Genre: Picture, informational, non-fiction
This is an information book about a few different types of animals people would not normally expect to be dangerous and the actions that antagonize them. It explains how a bunch of potentially harmless animals such as a platypus, a caterpillar and a toad could be harmless to humans. This is a picture book, which is a different, potentially more exciting format for an informational book. Throughout the book, one can learn about a wide array of animals that can be found all over the world. The back of the book even goes into detail about where each animal can be found. After reading the book, you will find out why it is never a good idea to flash your teeth and smile at a monkey!
I would use this book in the classroom as a more interesting way to present information to my students. I feel like older students are so used to textbooks as the only form of informational texts and I think they would enjoy a picture book more than a textbook. I believe that students learn better from experiencing a variety of different texts and I certainly do not think picture books can only be used in elementary school.
Reading level: Fountas and Pinnell, W,X,Y
Lexile: 920
Genre: Picture, informational, non-fiction
This is an information book about a few different types of animals people would not normally expect to be dangerous and the actions that antagonize them. It explains how a bunch of potentially harmless animals such as a platypus, a caterpillar and a toad could be harmless to humans. This is a picture book, which is a different, potentially more exciting format for an informational book. Throughout the book, one can learn about a wide array of animals that can be found all over the world. The back of the book even goes into detail about where each animal can be found. After reading the book, you will find out why it is never a good idea to flash your teeth and smile at a monkey!
I would use this book in the classroom as a more interesting way to present information to my students. I feel like older students are so used to textbooks as the only form of informational texts and I think they would enjoy a picture book more than a textbook. I believe that students learn better from experiencing a variety of different texts and I certainly do not think picture books can only be used in elementary school.
December 18, 2011
My niece liked Never Smile at a Monkey more than my nephew did. She liked that it told you all kinds of facts about animals that pertained to how they protect themselves, and this *was* interesting and educational, even for me. I had no idea that platypuses have poisonous spines on their back legs!
Never Smile at a Monkey was a bit intense for my little nephew, though. Many of the paragraphs about the animals ended by implanting the idea of "serious injury, or even death to humans," and this was maybe a bit dire to a four year old who doesn't know that hippos, for example, don't naturally live in his back yard. So this was an interesting book, but it does have a good, scare-the-crap-out-of-a-kid factor to it. Probably best to not read it to kids under about the age of seven or eight.
Never Smile at a Monkey was a bit intense for my little nephew, though. Many of the paragraphs about the animals ended by implanting the idea of "serious injury, or even death to humans," and this was maybe a bit dire to a four year old who doesn't know that hippos, for example, don't naturally live in his back yard. So this was an interesting book, but it does have a good, scare-the-crap-out-of-a-kid factor to it. Probably best to not read it to kids under about the age of seven or eight.
October 23, 2009
I'm actually waiting for this book to be delivered to my library from the MN-Link intra-library system and honestly, I can't wait. I seriously cannot wait. I am terrified that between now and when it arrives I will come across a platypus or cone shell or some other animal and do exactly the wrong thing and be killed within moments. I'm not sure how we all live our lives without this book.
Katie is doing this assignment in her class called Read-O. It's like Bingo but with books. There's a chart with genres filled out and she has to read books in certain genres to get a Read-O. One of the genres she needs is "Non-fiction animal book." I think this will meet that criteria... and possibly save all our lives as well!
Katie is doing this assignment in her class called Read-O. It's like Bingo but with books. There's a chart with genres filled out and she has to read books in certain genres to get a Read-O. One of the genres she needs is "Non-fiction animal book." I think this will meet that criteria... and possibly save all our lives as well!
December 3, 2019
Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Thing to Remember is a fun book to use as an introduction to informational texts. I would use this in grade 1-3. The book explains the defenses a number of animals may use if they feel threatened in any way. The book focuses on both animals that are well known and animals many people may not have heard of or know much about.
This book has many facts about animals and because of this, I would ask students to answer questions regarding the key details of the text. I would have a question for each animal mentioned. For example - Why shouldn't you step on a stingray?
I would also have students choose two animals that they book mentions and have them compare and contrast them based on the details the book gave about each.
This book is a WOW book to me because it teaches students about animals they may not have heard of and facts they may not know. The book may be talking about something that can be dangerous to humans, but it does so in a fun way, and it helps students learn about the animals. The pictures are also phenomenal and seem to come off the pages.
This book has many facts about animals and because of this, I would ask students to answer questions regarding the key details of the text. I would have a question for each animal mentioned. For example - Why shouldn't you step on a stingray?
I would also have students choose two animals that they book mentions and have them compare and contrast them based on the details the book gave about each.
This book is a WOW book to me because it teaches students about animals they may not have heard of and facts they may not know. The book may be talking about something that can be dangerous to humans, but it does so in a fun way, and it helps students learn about the animals. The pictures are also phenomenal and seem to come off the pages.
February 18, 2020
Another book filled with fascinating, sometimes little-known, facts. For those readers who are sufficiently interested, there is more detail at the end of the book.
October 4, 2020
I loved this - it reminded me of a 'Ripley's Believe It or Not' about animals that aren't part of our everyday life. Great illustrations!! I think it is a good introduction for kids that don't think they like non-fiction books...
March 18, 2020
Never Smile at a Monkey by Steve Jenkins is a WOW nonfiction informational text for me. I accessed this book as an e-text. The book provides 18 short paragraphs about wild animals and what not to do when you meet them and why. I loved the information in the book and the pictures! I think this book would keep students actively engaged due to small interesting summaries and wildly different animals. The book describes not smiling at a monkey, not taking a sea cone shell and never cuddle a black baby bear, just to name a few. The wide variety is a great feature and something that keeps the book moving and interesting!
I would use this book for any grades K-5. In kindergarten, I would use more of just a read-aloud for students maybe during science and studying animals. In grades 1 through 5th I would use the book for more in-depth work. I would use this book as a mentor text when researching animal defenses and then comparing and contrasting those findings. I would also use this book to have students research and write their own “don’t” summary for an animal they have chosen to research. Students would then create a presentation through technology to present to our class.
I would use this book for any grades K-5. In kindergarten, I would use more of just a read-aloud for students maybe during science and studying animals. In grades 1 through 5th I would use the book for more in-depth work. I would use this book as a mentor text when researching animal defenses and then comparing and contrasting those findings. I would also use this book to have students research and write their own “don’t” summary for an animal they have chosen to research. Students would then create a presentation through technology to present to our class.
May 6, 2013
We've read several books by Steve Jenkins recently and we have enjoyed his style of combining short, factual bits of information with colorful, mixed-media illustrations.
This book offers unique trivia about eighteen different animals, with tips about what not to do around them. The tips are fascinating, but also helpful safety precautions, in case a person ever comes across these creatures.
While many of the animals are quite exotic, I was a bit nostalgic about the section on the blue-ringed octopus. When we lived in Okinawa, we were often cautioned against picking one of these guys up. They are so small and cute, but incredibly deadly.
Overall, I thought this book was well-researched and entertaining to read aloud. We really enjoyed reading it together.
This book offers unique trivia about eighteen different animals, with tips about what not to do around them. The tips are fascinating, but also helpful safety precautions, in case a person ever comes across these creatures.
While many of the animals are quite exotic, I was a bit nostalgic about the section on the blue-ringed octopus. When we lived in Okinawa, we were often cautioned against picking one of these guys up. They are so small and cute, but incredibly deadly.
Overall, I thought this book was well-researched and entertaining to read aloud. We really enjoyed reading it together.
October 14, 2012
Another great book by Steve Jenkins with information and illustrations that will intrique both children and adults. This book tells about how animals protect themselves and what you should do if you come face to face with one of these animals. For instance - do you know why you should never pet a platypus or corner a cassowary or smile at a monkey? Jenkins' answers and explanations are short and to the point and very interesting. Additional information at the end of the book gives more information for the curious reader. I'm glad I discovered this author and his wonderful books for children (and those adults who just want to be a little smarter.)
November 11, 2009
Funny, alarming, great to look at - everything you expect from Steve Jenkins. My kids sat and made a list of Places Not to Go based on the habitats of the bad-tempered, venomous, sharp-featured, combative, paranoid, and/or fiercely territorial beasts of this book. Why the hell is there a 2-inch-long caterpillar that can KILL a human? I'm asking! Where's the evolutionary advantage in that?
March 20, 2012
Very engaging way to present adaptations (something we study in second grade!) and to teach kids about how animals protect themselves. My second graders are loving this book. And I even learned quite a few facts from reading it. I appreciate the more in depth information at the back. The illustrations are also wonderful. Plus it is fun to read about animals that we don't commonly talk about.
November 19, 2009
LOVE THIS BOOK.
1. It's Steve Jenkins. I could stop there, but I won't.
Alliteration. Fantastic vocabulary. Amazing and wonderful animal facts. Put this in the hands of your school's Gifted Teacher, and he or she will love you. Forever. I promise.
1. It's Steve Jenkins. I could stop there, but I won't.
Alliteration. Fantastic vocabulary. Amazing and wonderful animal facts. Put this in the hands of your school's Gifted Teacher, and he or she will love you. Forever. I promise.
July 31, 2012
Reading this book potentially saved my life. Who knew that some of these creatures were so poisonous or dangerous? My son was completely fascinated!
April 25, 2015
Alliteration. Poisonous and dangerous animals. Perfect model for student work. Steve Jenkins provides another great mentor text for nonfiction.
February 27, 2017
Awards the book has received (if any):
o Flicker Tale Children’s Book Award Nominee for Non-Fiction (2011)
o Society of Illustrators Original Art Show
o Junior Library Guild Selection 2009 Selection
Appropriate grade level(s):1st grade-5th grade
Original 3-line summary: This non-fiction book gives advice on what animals people should not interact with due to the animals non-obvious dangers. The animals that are shown throughout the book are not traditional animals children would be familiar with. The advice stresses the dangers and often repeats the potential threat of death that could result if the animal is interacted with in the wrong way.
Original 3-line review: I believe this book is unique in that it is honest and teaches children about dangers they normally would not have learned about. This book should not be read if there are children who are worrisome or extremely cautious and anxious as this book may increase those traits. The illustrations were interesting and there were a wide range of vocabulary used.
2-3 possible in-class uses: Throughout the introduction of each of the 18 animals, an alliteration was used. One example: NEVER badger a beaded lizard. During the reading of the book, the teacher can ask the students if they notice a pattern with the initial warnings. This is a good time to introduce alliterations. At the end of the reading, the teacher can provide more animals that are dangerous and the names of the animals. The children can each pick one and use it as a writing prompt to create their own alliteration and warning. During the book, the author mentioned multiple parts of the world certain animals are from. The students can create a large world map and pinpoint exactly where each animal lives. The world map would be colorful and contain the names of all the countries.
o Flicker Tale Children’s Book Award Nominee for Non-Fiction (2011)
o Society of Illustrators Original Art Show
o Junior Library Guild Selection 2009 Selection
Appropriate grade level(s):1st grade-5th grade
Original 3-line summary: This non-fiction book gives advice on what animals people should not interact with due to the animals non-obvious dangers. The animals that are shown throughout the book are not traditional animals children would be familiar with. The advice stresses the dangers and often repeats the potential threat of death that could result if the animal is interacted with in the wrong way.
Original 3-line review: I believe this book is unique in that it is honest and teaches children about dangers they normally would not have learned about. This book should not be read if there are children who are worrisome or extremely cautious and anxious as this book may increase those traits. The illustrations were interesting and there were a wide range of vocabulary used.
2-3 possible in-class uses: Throughout the introduction of each of the 18 animals, an alliteration was used. One example: NEVER badger a beaded lizard. During the reading of the book, the teacher can ask the students if they notice a pattern with the initial warnings. This is a good time to introduce alliterations. At the end of the reading, the teacher can provide more animals that are dangerous and the names of the animals. The children can each pick one and use it as a writing prompt to create their own alliteration and warning. During the book, the author mentioned multiple parts of the world certain animals are from. The students can create a large world map and pinpoint exactly where each animal lives. The world map would be colorful and contain the names of all the countries.
November 27, 2019
Summary: This book includes information about eighteen different animals. On each page, there is a beautiful illustration of each animal. Next to the illustration, is a fact about what not to do to that animal, with a short explanation.
Review: The cover of the book is what grabbed my attention right away. I like how the illustrations and facts about the animal are straightforward. I think children would enjoy learning about different animals and facts that are new to them!
Pair: I would pair the book, "Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember," with a book by the same author titled, "What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?" In this book, children will learn about how animals use their tails, noses, eyes, and other body parts. Both of these books teach children about animals in our world and what makes them so fascinating!
Quote: A quote at the beginning of the book states, "This book is about creatures--both large and small--whose dangerous nature may not be so obvious." I think this is a good quote to use to help children get excited and thinking about what animals could be in the book. A lot of these animals and facts I have never heard of, so imagine how blown away young readers will be.
Review: The cover of the book is what grabbed my attention right away. I like how the illustrations and facts about the animal are straightforward. I think children would enjoy learning about different animals and facts that are new to them!
Pair: I would pair the book, "Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember," with a book by the same author titled, "What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?" In this book, children will learn about how animals use their tails, noses, eyes, and other body parts. Both of these books teach children about animals in our world and what makes them so fascinating!
Quote: A quote at the beginning of the book states, "This book is about creatures--both large and small--whose dangerous nature may not be so obvious." I think this is a good quote to use to help children get excited and thinking about what animals could be in the book. A lot of these animals and facts I have never heard of, so imagine how blown away young readers will be.
December 2, 2018
“Never Smile at a Monkey” is a fascinating story of surprisingly dangerous animals. The author, Steve Jenkins teaches about what not to do if you ever encounter one of these animals. There are 18 animals in the story, some of the animals are a platypus, cone shells, and a tang. Several of the animals in the story I had never heard of or was unaware that they were dangerous. Each of these animals have a unique way of protecting themselves which could be harmful to humans. This was a WOW book for me because it was a fun and engaging way to learn about dangerous animals. When choosing books to read I generally do not reach for informational text, but I surprisingly enjoyed reading and learning from this book.
“Never Smile at a Monkey” is an informational text that can be used in kindergarten-5th grade. This book can be read aloud when learning about animals. The author included alliteration throughout the book, so teachers can use the book to introduce and teach about alliteration. Students could complete a research project by choosing an animal from the book to research and write about. Lastly, the book tells where some of the animals are from so students could use maps to find where the animals live.
“Never Smile at a Monkey” is an informational text that can be used in kindergarten-5th grade. This book can be read aloud when learning about animals. The author included alliteration throughout the book, so teachers can use the book to introduce and teach about alliteration. Students could complete a research project by choosing an animal from the book to research and write about. Lastly, the book tells where some of the animals are from so students could use maps to find where the animals live.
November 17, 2018
5/5
2009
Informational
3rd grade-upper elementary
This book is a must have for the classroom for all those curious kiddos you may have in your classroom!
At first when I grabbed this book I thought it was going to tell me some interesting facts about monkeys and why I should never smile at them. Although the title features a true statement the book also has some interesting facts to keep in mind that I never knew about animals that are very important!
This book offered pages of facts on why you should let, grab, Harass, step, jostle, poke, or grab animals we encounter at any point in nature or at the zoo! I never knew these things and I’ve done several of them within the book, luckily with no harm done to myself.
I would introduce this book during a science lesson because it deals with the reactions animals give to protect themselves against predators!
I would keep this book on my class bookshelf as a must read during the school year
2009
Informational
3rd grade-upper elementary
This book is a must have for the classroom for all those curious kiddos you may have in your classroom!
At first when I grabbed this book I thought it was going to tell me some interesting facts about monkeys and why I should never smile at them. Although the title features a true statement the book also has some interesting facts to keep in mind that I never knew about animals that are very important!
This book offered pages of facts on why you should let, grab, Harass, step, jostle, poke, or grab animals we encounter at any point in nature or at the zoo! I never knew these things and I’ve done several of them within the book, luckily with no harm done to myself.
I would introduce this book during a science lesson because it deals with the reactions animals give to protect themselves against predators!
I would keep this book on my class bookshelf as a must read during the school year
September 9, 2020
Never Smile at a Monkey is a non-fiction picture book written by Steve Jenkins. This books talks about 18 deadly animals that are small or seem harmless, but in reality they can really pack a punch. Each animal has their deadly weapon they use to ward off animals, each picture of the animal also says how you can provoke these animals if you're not careful.
I like this book because of the understanding you gain from reading each of these animals. The pictures of the animals are also very well drawn, and show where the weapon or thing the animal uses in the picture.
I would use this book in my classroom because some kids love animals and also love to learn about how deadly some animals can be. It also has great pictures of animals so if you kid does not know what a blue ring octopus looks like, you can show a hand drawn picture of one in the book.
I like this book because of the understanding you gain from reading each of these animals. The pictures of the animals are also very well drawn, and show where the weapon or thing the animal uses in the picture.
I would use this book in my classroom because some kids love animals and also love to learn about how deadly some animals can be. It also has great pictures of animals so if you kid does not know what a blue ring octopus looks like, you can show a hand drawn picture of one in the book.
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October 8, 2020Never Smile at a Monkey by Steve Jenkins is a non-fiction picture book written to educate readers on dangerous animals that most people don't think about and what not to do around them. This book explains why not to pet a platypus, smile at a monkey, or caress an electric caterpillar. Animals that we acknowledge could be dangerous but to an extent we are unaware of.
This book was fine. It did teach me some things I didn't know which made it to where I never was bored. The illustrations though were almost a simplistic paper collage style. Which was fine but not my favorite for a non-fiction book.
This book would work for a science unit and obviously presents new information the average kid would not be familiar with. A child who really enjoys learning the science and behaviors of animals would probably really enjoy this book.
This book was fine. It did teach me some things I didn't know which made it to where I never was bored. The illustrations though were almost a simplistic paper collage style. Which was fine but not my favorite for a non-fiction book.
This book would work for a science unit and obviously presents new information the average kid would not be familiar with. A child who really enjoys learning the science and behaviors of animals would probably really enjoy this book.
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