Book Review:

 

 

 

Bibliography:

Jenkins, S. (2009). NEVER SMILE AT A MONKEY. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.

 

 

Plot Summary:

When it comes to wild animals, everyone knows that there are certain things you just don’t do. It's clearly a bad idea to tease a tiger, pull a python's tail, or bother a black widow spider. But do you know how dangerous it can be to pet a platypus, collect a conc shell, or touch a tang fish? Some creatures have developed unusual ways of protecting themselves or catching prey, and this can make them unexpectedly hazardous to your health.

 

 

Critical Analysis:

This book is filled with facts about what to do if you encounter certain animals in the wild. It is illustrated with Jenkins trademark cut paper and torn collages. There is also additional details and artwork at the end of the book. The contrast of the sharp edges against the stark white backgrounds, help the soft painted striations and colorful mottling stand out even more. The story brings the fascinating facts about our natural world and animals alive in this educational and entertaining book.
 

 

 

Review Excerpts:


Flicker Tale Children's Book Award for Non-Fiction

School Library Journal, starred review: "A visually stunning book illustrated with cut paper and torn collages...This superlative illustrator has given children yet another work that educates and amazes."

Booklist Starred Review: "With his trademark cut-paper technique, Jenkins proves there may not be a texture that he can’t mimic on the page. The high-interest marriage of animals and danger, along with large, vibrant visuals, makes this a prime candidate for group sharing, and additional details and artwork at the end will flesh out some of the finer points for older children."

 

 

Connections:

Pull other books by Steve Jenkins to have students compare, such as:

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A TAIL LIKE THIS? ISBN 061899713X

BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST ISBN 0395861365

ACTUAL SIZE ISBN 0547512910

 

 

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