Mad About Monkeys

Mad About Monkeys is a glorious celebration of these intriguing primates accompanied by wonderful illustrations. The book contains a contents page which leads logically through the chapters, which deal with what monkeys are, food and habitats, evolution, social life and identity, hierarchy, notable species, intelligence, behaviour and humour.

There is so much interesting information to be found in the book and a broad view of monkeys is taken, for example looking at monkeys in mythology and human intervention. Chapters are short and appropriately illustrated. The explanations are clear with some complex vocabulary and concepts.

As a topic book this would be perfect to support class or individual projects relating to the wider world and conservation and would earn its place in a school library although it would have benefited from having an index for pupils to practise finding specific pieces of information. The quality of the art work is exceptional and could inspire integrated art projects using mixed media to create items such as masks, collage or sculpture.

With an interest level of Key Stage 2/3 and a reading age of 9+ this is a treasure trove for any child interested in animal life. 

40 pages / Reviewed for the original hardback version of Mad About Monkeys

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Mad about Monkeys by Owen Davey is a brilliant non fiction text, covering our primate cousins, monkeys. It can be used as a source of information to show children how to set out non chronological reports in English or as a source book for science research.

The stylised illustrations capture the characteristics of many of the 260 plus species of monkeys. This is a cracking read for any child who loves animals, although I know many of my colleagues would learn lots from this information book, as I did! Recommended for 8+

40 pages / Reviewed by Sharon Porter, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+