Mad about Monkeys (About Animals)

In this visually striking overview of monkeys, Davey pairs geometric graphics that recall poster art and African masks with information about the traits, evolution, habits, and diversity of these primates. He covers common monkey characteristics, such as their social nature, as well as those of particular monkeys--Ethiopian geladas sleep in cliff-side huddles to stay clear of predators, and crab-eating macaques "have developed an amphibious lifestyle." Other spreads examine monkeys' mischievous reputations ("Monkeys regularly steal from humans. Businesses and homes can be ransacked in a matter of minutes by these criminal critters"), their roles in human culture and religious beliefs, and the ways humans have affected monkey habitats. A semi-irreverent tone and stylish images (the human in a primate family tree rocks cuffed jeans and a high-and-tight hipster haircut) combine to create an arresting and informative guide to simian nature. Ages 3-7. (Aug.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-6 Davey's striking illustrations and bold graphic design are the highlights of this compendium of facts about monkeys. He devotes the most sustained attention to distinctions between Old World and New World monkeys, providing clear explanations of how the groups differ. However, not all the monkeys he includes later in the book receive those designations. Four types of monkeys are highlighted in one-to-two page long "Featured Creatures" sections. Many others receive brief entries, which stress such attributes as "longest tail" or "best facial hair." Davey provides overviews of monkeys' social life and use of tools, touches on their inclusion in myths, and emphasizes the threats of deforestation to monkey populations. He deftly draws on their varied and unusual physical features to produce eye-catching images that will attract browsers. However, the chart of primate groups is confusing, with ascending brackets that seem to indicate that one group developed from another. The so-called index is really a classified listing of monkeys by family and subfamily, and the text includes some grammatical slips. VERDICT As a supplemental title, this book may pique readers' curiosity about monkeys, but it does not provide a consistently unified introduction to the topic. Consider for collections where examples of fine contemporary graphic design are in demand.--Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A 2016 ALSC Notable Children's Book

Tackling a topic as general as monkeys is a tall order for a picture book, but this one succeeds admirably. [...] Davey keeps things lively by relating specific traits of various monkey species [...] and these serve not only to pique readers' curiosity, but also to highlight the primates' diversity. The design of the book is stellar, interweaving text and stylized-but-accurate illustrations into a vibrant, cohesive whole that stands out for its appeal and clarity. A vast amount of information on monkeys is expertly delivered in both text and image without patronizing either readers or monkeys—a delight.
—Kirkus, Starred Review

A semi-irreverent tone and stylish images combine to create an arresting and informative guide to simian nature.
—Publisher's Weekly

Full of bared fangs, long tails and witty descriptions, this elegant book is likely to commend itself even to readers a good deal older than those for whom it is designed.
—Wall Street Journal

Davey's striking illustrations and bold graphic design are the highlights of this compendium of facts about monkeys. He deftly draws on their varied and unusual physical features to produce eye-catching images that will attract browsers.
—School Library Journal

Owen Davey presents a stunning and richly informative primer on these marvelous primates. [...] With art that calls to mind Charley Harper and the golden age of mid-century children's book illustration, Davey explores the glorious diversity of these weird and wonderful creatures, their sophisticated social life, and their elaborate communication style [...]
—Brain Pickings

This nonfiction picture book colorfully and innovatively educates readers about various types of monkeys from around the world without being pedantic. Jazzy illustrations resembling a graphic arts styled poster accurately depict several species of monkeys. [...] helpful examples, guiding illustrations, and comical phrases like "'But why such colorful bums?' I hear you ask" will leave readers feeling like they are on a lively safari.
—OmniLibros