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David
David Smells! A Diaper David Book
Caldecott Honor artist David Shannon is back with a third original board book that features the star of the bestselling No, David! books as a troublemaking toddler and introduces the five senses. Hey! What's that smell?! Join David as he discovers the five touch, hear, see, smell, and taste. From petting the dog to banging on a drum, David knows how to have a good time. But he also knows that there's nothing better than playing a game with Mama at the end of a busy and exciting day. With the same irresistible humor and vibrant style as his award-winning No, David! books, David Shannon takes us back to the "early years" of his most beloved character. Perfect for beginning readers as well as for the youngest children!
12 pages, Board Book
First published September 1, 2005
8 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
David Shannon
212 books559 followersDavid Shannon is the author and illustrator of many highly praised books for children. Born in Washington, D.C., he grew up in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, with a fine arts degree, and then moved to New York City. His editorial illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, Time, and Rolling Stone, and his artwork has appeared on numerous book jackets. Shannon is a passionate baseball fan and softball player. He and his wife now live in Los Angeles.
David Shannon @ Scholastic
David Shannon @ Scholastic
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 3, 2012
I will never recover from the visual image of the lollipop David almost eats off the ground in this book. (and I've seen my kid lick the floor at daycare!!!) That lollipop is so dirty it has a dead fly stuck to it. Two-year-olds are DISGUSTING!
Also, David is ugly. I hope he looks cuter when he gets older.
What?!
That can happen sometimes!
Also, David is ugly. I hope he looks cuter when he gets older.
What?!
That can happen sometimes!
October 26, 2012
David Shannon, David Smells! (Blue Sky Press, 2005)
Of the three Diaper David books, David Smells!, a book about the five senses, is my son's current favorite, the one he reaches for most often of the three and wants me to read to him. Now, I have no idea why this is; all three are wonderfully illustrated, with short, fun text blocks and enough repetition (even between the books, which were obviously conceived and written as one project—this is not something one normally thinks about in pre-lit, but it turns out it's an important idea) to nudge the kid that much further towards speech. And needless to say, my kid is not your kid, who may be more crazy about Oops! or No, David! right now. But I can tell you that my eleven-month-old budding reviewer has expressed a definite preference—at least this month—for this one, and that's good enough for me. *** ½
Of the three Diaper David books, David Smells!, a book about the five senses, is my son's current favorite, the one he reaches for most often of the three and wants me to read to him. Now, I have no idea why this is; all three are wonderfully illustrated, with short, fun text blocks and enough repetition (even between the books, which were obviously conceived and written as one project—this is not something one normally thinks about in pre-lit, but it turns out it's an important idea) to nudge the kid that much further towards speech. And needless to say, my kid is not your kid, who may be more crazy about Oops! or No, David! right now. But I can tell you that my eleven-month-old budding reviewer has expressed a definite preference—at least this month—for this one, and that's good enough for me. *** ½
June 26, 2013
My children enjoy the David books, but this one didn't capture their attention as some of the others had. Too simple for my 5 yr old, and the 5 senses content over my preschoolers head just yet. I applaud Shannon's efforts for adding a lesson to the book and it's one that I'll go over as time goes on, I just think they weren't as captivated by the pictures and circumstances of David so much this time, since the focus was mostly on the 5 senses. Still, they loved it when he had a dirty diaper, as this is something they can still relate to.
August 14, 2013
(Though I love everything David Shannon does. The NO David Series doesn't have much story, and that's more important to Sam than the pictures--I guess. He could be looking at it and thinking, "that's awesome." and just not saying anything.)
April 20, 2008
I got this to help teach senses and it was a surprising favorite. Also very short and nice as a bedtime book. The "Are you stinky?" and "Peek-a-boo, Davey" are the favorite pages for my 2y/o.
Read
December 5, 20171. David Smells! is a story about young David and his first experience with the 5 sense. Everything he does throughout the day, he is able to incorporate one of the 5 senses. Students of all ages will be able to connect with the text and their experience with the 5 senses.
2. This book incorporated a sense of humor that everyone would love! This book is great for beginning readers or students who are just learning about the 5 senses. David experiences the senses in multiple ways and it ways that is easier for kids to connect with.
3. I would connect this book to No, David! by David Shannon
4. "David has 5 senses. See. Taste. Hear. Smell. Touch." this book can be used for beginning readers and for students learning the 5 senses. It allows students to make connections from text-to-self and how they experience the 5 senses on a daily basis!
2. This book incorporated a sense of humor that everyone would love! This book is great for beginning readers or students who are just learning about the 5 senses. David experiences the senses in multiple ways and it ways that is easier for kids to connect with.
3. I would connect this book to No, David! by David Shannon
4. "David has 5 senses. See. Taste. Hear. Smell. Touch." this book can be used for beginning readers and for students learning the 5 senses. It allows students to make connections from text-to-self and how they experience the 5 senses on a daily basis!
November 28, 2018
This heartwarming story of a baby who is experimenting with his 5 senses is perfect for a younger audience. Children will gain a sense of curiosity and support from parents as they experience David’s social development beside him. By pointing out each of the illustrations, students can pick up on the dangers that result in exploring one’s senses. A stinky order makes David realize that his noise has the ability to smell. After petting his dog David discovers that he can explore different textures through his sense of touch. And finally, David bands on a drum and is amazed by the load sound that his ears could pick up on. Readers follow young David on his fun journey of self-discovery. The heartwarming story ends with David playing a game with his mother and wrapping up his busy day. David Smells! would serve as an excellent read aloud at night time.
June 12, 2025
This should probably be called "David tiene 5 sentidos" since "David huele!" is only one part of this, and it's not going to catch the eye of the target audience (toddlers) who cannot yet read. The illustrations are off-putting, and the feedback to David is all negative.
January 25, 2018
A goo f2f boon
April 16, 2018
ok. not my favorite
August 5, 2018
Hilarious!
November 2, 2018
These are great books. My kids love them and request them often.
November 3, 2018
Love love love😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄
December 2, 2018
Simple, quick story of David's five senses. B
December 23, 2018
This board book introduces tots to the various senses with the humor of David Small. Not quite as good as other David books, but will be enjoyed.
December 27, 2018
A childrens book that introduces the five senses. Written in a scribled style that is comical. Almost creepy drawing. Recommended, regardless.
June 1, 2019
Bought for A as an infant - she reread to herself today.
July 23, 2021
Cute little book.
January 9, 2022
A mother's wish
August 24, 2022
High art? No. But the 5 year old in the house loves it and likes trying to read it.
November 17, 2022
Encontramos este libro en la feria de libros. Sería divertido leer este libro en voz alta a un bebé como David, aunque el bebé no entienda el chiste.
May 2, 2024
David’s blackened eyes haunt me daily.
May 22, 2024
Read this to my baby today in anticipation of bath-time. Great pictures
February 16, 2025
I love Davdid! He's so funny!
November 7, 2025
I'd give this zero stars if I could.
January 1, 2017
good book
April 11, 2016
Baby/Board Book
Shannon, David. David Smells! New York: Blue Sky Press, 2005. Print.
Written by the same author as “No David” and “David Goes to School”, this is a simple board book which briefly highlights the five senses according to David as a baby. “Touch” is highlighted by David sneaking up on the pet dog and “taste” shows David getting ready to eat a less desirable lollipop that has fallen on the ground. A funny book that adults will enjoy reading to their baby even if the baby will not fully appreciate the humor.
Themes: senses, fiction, day in the life of a baby
Choices,2006 Cooperative Children s Book Center
This book could be used in a preschool classroom to go along with a unit on the Five Senses. After reading the book, students could practice using their five senses. They could start by painting with their feet to experience “touch”. The children could dip their feet in paint and be allowed to make prints on paper. Various kinds of music could be played and students could “dance paint” and this would include the sense of sound. For taste, students could be given food items that are sweet, salty, bitter and sour. For smell, students could be given green playdoh made with peppermint extract. Or they could also be given film canisters filled with cotton balls dipped in perfume, coffee grounds or bananas and they could guess the smell. For sight, they could be given mirrors. After looking at their reflection, they could draw a picture of their face.
Shannon, David. David Smells! New York: Blue Sky Press, 2005. Print.
Written by the same author as “No David” and “David Goes to School”, this is a simple board book which briefly highlights the five senses according to David as a baby. “Touch” is highlighted by David sneaking up on the pet dog and “taste” shows David getting ready to eat a less desirable lollipop that has fallen on the ground. A funny book that adults will enjoy reading to their baby even if the baby will not fully appreciate the humor.
Themes: senses, fiction, day in the life of a baby
Choices,2006 Cooperative Children s Book Center
This book could be used in a preschool classroom to go along with a unit on the Five Senses. After reading the book, students could practice using their five senses. They could start by painting with their feet to experience “touch”. The children could dip their feet in paint and be allowed to make prints on paper. Various kinds of music could be played and students could “dance paint” and this would include the sense of sound. For taste, students could be given food items that are sweet, salty, bitter and sour. For smell, students could be given green playdoh made with peppermint extract. Or they could also be given film canisters filled with cotton balls dipped in perfume, coffee grounds or bananas and they could guess the smell. For sight, they could be given mirrors. After looking at their reflection, they could draw a picture of their face.
September 1, 2014
Genre: Board Book
David Smells is a brightly colored and entertaining book that introduces the five senses to young children. The first page is a diagram where children can make connections to David and their own bodies. The following pages offer rich illustrations that are both educational and silly offering many talking points to teach children about their senses. This book was an absolute favorite bedtime book in my house eliciting many giggles and "ewwwws"!
Themes: Introduction of the five senses, non-fiction text feature: diagram, humor.
Ways to use this book: this is a fabulous bed-time book for very young children.
David Smells is a brightly colored and entertaining book that introduces the five senses to young children. The first page is a diagram where children can make connections to David and their own bodies. The following pages offer rich illustrations that are both educational and silly offering many talking points to teach children about their senses. This book was an absolute favorite bedtime book in my house eliciting many giggles and "ewwwws"!
Themes: Introduction of the five senses, non-fiction text feature: diagram, humor.
Ways to use this book: this is a fabulous bed-time book for very young children.
August 17, 2015
This is an ADORABLE book. The illustrations are not what I would call weird or strange, simply different! It's not a complex book with a detailed storyline and I don't think it was meant to be. Both my 3 year old and 1 year old love the David books and this is one of their favorites, especially the "Are You Stinky" and "Peek A Boo" pages; they always burst out laughing. What I love about it too is that because the book is so short, the kids can add their own narrative, making it very fun. This book is a great way to teach the babies about their senses while having fun at the same time.
July 23, 2015
When I first read this short childrens picture book I was a little shocked at the pictures and how the story evolved. The book when given to a younger child they always seem to love it. It make s the reader laugh and is a good book to use if you want to ever teach about the five senses because it does such in a very simple manner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews