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Orang-utan, chimp, bonobo, gorilla - the great apes are some of the biggest and most extraordinary animals on our planet. Meet all four in this book, and find out how the fifth great ape - the human - impacts on the lives of these increasingly rare species.
Hardcover
First published November 13, 2007
2 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Martin Jenkins
55 books27 followersMartin Jenkins, a conservation biologist, has written several nonfiction books for children, including Ape, Grandma Elephant’s in Charge, The Emperor’s Egg, and Chameleons Are Cool. He lives in Cambridge, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 30, 2014
It's wonderful to find a book that will introduce new ideas and information on a level for young children, and this is one of those. I can see it also being enjoyed by older students. Illustrated in big and bold realistic portraits along with drawings of the animals in their habitats, the book introduces us to the five great apes of the world, four of which are rare. It includes just enough facts to intrigue, and I found myself examining the illustrations for a long time. It's a book to savor. There is a surprise at the end, and you will like it.
November 12, 2025
British author/illustrator team Martin Jenkins and Vicky White profile the five great ape species in this gorgeous work of picture book natural history. From the orangutans of Borneo and Sumatra to the chimpanzees of central and west Africa, the bonobos of the Congo Basin to the gorillas of central Africa, the book describes the eating and social habits of four of these kind of animal, before tying them to their cousins in the fifth category: humans. The book closes with a map of where the various apes can be found worldwide, and an index...
Having greatly enjoyed this pair's subsequent picture book, Can We Save the Tiger? , which was a rare five-star book for me, I immediately sought out other titles they created, and requested Ape (their debut book together) from my local library. Although not quite as outstanding as that subsequent book, this was still an excellent read, pairing a simple but informative text with absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Done in pencil and oil, these paintings are just breathtaking—detailed, hyper-realistic, endlessly fascinating, and terribly beautiful. Although I wouldn't really recommend this one as an introduction to any one of the individual species profiled, as there isn't enough detailed information for that, it is an excellent introduction to this family of species, and I appreciated its project, in highlighting that we humans are part of that family. Sadly, the third and thus-far final book produced by Jenkins and White, A Walk Through the Rain Forest , is not held by my local library, so I will have to request it through interlibrary loan. As for this one, I'd recommend it to young animals lovers, to anyone seeking picture books about the great apes, and to those who appreciate beautiful picture book art.
Having greatly enjoyed this pair's subsequent picture book, Can We Save the Tiger? , which was a rare five-star book for me, I immediately sought out other titles they created, and requested Ape (their debut book together) from my local library. Although not quite as outstanding as that subsequent book, this was still an excellent read, pairing a simple but informative text with absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Done in pencil and oil, these paintings are just breathtaking—detailed, hyper-realistic, endlessly fascinating, and terribly beautiful. Although I wouldn't really recommend this one as an introduction to any one of the individual species profiled, as there isn't enough detailed information for that, it is an excellent introduction to this family of species, and I appreciated its project, in highlighting that we humans are part of that family. Sadly, the third and thus-far final book produced by Jenkins and White, A Walk Through the Rain Forest , is not held by my local library, so I will have to request it through interlibrary loan. As for this one, I'd recommend it to young animals lovers, to anyone seeking picture books about the great apes, and to those who appreciate beautiful picture book art.
July 4, 2023
Bonobo chatters and hoots
and calls to her friends,
while feasting on figs
high off the ground.
Presented in a large font with plenty of spacing, Jenkins' writing is rich, challenging our young students as they listen. The book is a large format, perfect for White's enthralling illustrations.
Together Jenkins and White introduce young children to the five types of apes including And the fifth kind of great ape is...do you know who? You...and me.
Back matter includes a large map and key.
and calls to her friends,
while feasting on figs
high off the ground.
Presented in a large font with plenty of spacing, Jenkins' writing is rich, challenging our young students as they listen. The book is a large format, perfect for White's enthralling illustrations.
Together Jenkins and White introduce young children to the five types of apes including And the fifth kind of great ape is...do you know who? You...and me.
Back matter includes a large map and key.
November 18, 2019
This book features detailed drawings of the four apes. Following the drawings are narratives written about each of the apes that describe their lifestyle, what they eat, and how they interact. The text throughout the book is also large and easy to read. Overall this book is well written and illustrated, a great addition to your nonfiction selection in your classroom.
December 2, 2022
Used this book for an IRA in the classroom. Students loved the illustrations and had a lot of genuine conversation over each mammal and some students wondered if we are animals. This book was great for conversation starters.
June 4, 2021
Nice observations and I like the way it places humans in their family tree as one of the great apes.
Want to read
December 29, 2009Illustrated by Vicky White. (Candlewick, 2007. ISBN 9780763634711. Order Info.) Nonfiction. 45 pages. Grades 1-12.
White's illustrations are a loving tribute to the four non-human species of great apes: chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos and gorillas. On each spread a single individual is rendered in color with transparent washes over the drawing while the rest of the individuals and the background are left as rougher cross hatch drawings.
The technique helps to create an arresting focus on each ape, especially their faces, which is furthered by White's attention to detail. This would be a heartfelt addition to any unit on apes, primates, mammals or animals even though the amount of information provided on each species is quite limited. I also think this book is a nice source of inspiration for any drawing project -- especially when introducing the technique of cross-hatching.
A world map on the last page showing the population size and distribution of each animal is a nice tie-in to wildlife protection and geography. Orangutans are found in Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia. Chimps live across western and central Africa. Bonobos live in the Congo basin and gorillas can be found in central Africa.
There are some earnest comments at the end about the fifth great ape, humans, and their impact on the others as well as current efforts to protect the remaining populations.
White's illustrations are a loving tribute to the four non-human species of great apes: chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos and gorillas. On each spread a single individual is rendered in color with transparent washes over the drawing while the rest of the individuals and the background are left as rougher cross hatch drawings.
The technique helps to create an arresting focus on each ape, especially their faces, which is furthered by White's attention to detail. This would be a heartfelt addition to any unit on apes, primates, mammals or animals even though the amount of information provided on each species is quite limited. I also think this book is a nice source of inspiration for any drawing project -- especially when introducing the technique of cross-hatching.
A world map on the last page showing the population size and distribution of each animal is a nice tie-in to wildlife protection and geography. Orangutans are found in Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia. Chimps live across western and central Africa. Bonobos live in the Congo basin and gorillas can be found in central Africa.
There are some earnest comments at the end about the fifth great ape, humans, and their impact on the others as well as current efforts to protect the remaining populations.
May 13, 2012
Ape opens by telling us that there are five kinds of great ape in the world, all of which are related, like a family - and 'four of them are very rare.' It isn't difficult to guess what the fifth one might be!
So begins a thoughtful, strikingly illustrated book profiling the great apes of the world (Orangutan, Chimp, Bonobo, Gorilla and of course, Man) - and the challenges they face. We see each in action, in lifelike pictures, leaping for fruit, playing, talking, fighting, sleeping and so on.
Each scene is described in large lettering, with smaller print at the bottom of many pages offering more detailed information, e.g., that gorillas live in small family groups and are vegetarians, or that chimpanzees are very good at making and using tools.
And about that fifth ape? Well, there is a thought-provoking description of the many things that make us similar (e.g., we usually have one baby at a time) and different (we aren't rare!) to the other apes. The book finishes with a map of the world, showing where the great apes all live - including humans - and lists details about some organisations that protect apes.
This book would be useful in a KS1 or early KS2 class (probably up to Year 4). It offers a unique insight into environmental issues, through the eyes of our vulnerable distant cousins, the other great apes.
So begins a thoughtful, strikingly illustrated book profiling the great apes of the world (Orangutan, Chimp, Bonobo, Gorilla and of course, Man) - and the challenges they face. We see each in action, in lifelike pictures, leaping for fruit, playing, talking, fighting, sleeping and so on.
Each scene is described in large lettering, with smaller print at the bottom of many pages offering more detailed information, e.g., that gorillas live in small family groups and are vegetarians, or that chimpanzees are very good at making and using tools.
And about that fifth ape? Well, there is a thought-provoking description of the many things that make us similar (e.g., we usually have one baby at a time) and different (we aren't rare!) to the other apes. The book finishes with a map of the world, showing where the great apes all live - including humans - and lists details about some organisations that protect apes.
This book would be useful in a KS1 or early KS2 class (probably up to Year 4). It offers a unique insight into environmental issues, through the eyes of our vulnerable distant cousins, the other great apes.
October 27, 2016
Facts about apes with nice pictures.
It's a book about four of the five great apes, which are orangutans, bonobos, chimps, and gorillas. It's kind of a summary, with some nice pictures of them. And then the fifth great ape is humans, and, you know, we're bad. But we're not altogether bad, because we're trying to protect them now! We were bad, but we're better now! Okay?
There's no story. It's just a bunch of facts. The pictures are kind of cool, but there's nothing to follow. I don't think it would hold the interest of any child who wasn't really into apes or animals in general.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
It's a book about four of the five great apes, which are orangutans, bonobos, chimps, and gorillas. It's kind of a summary, with some nice pictures of them. And then the fifth great ape is humans, and, you know, we're bad. But we're not altogether bad, because we're trying to protect them now! We were bad, but we're better now! Okay?
There's no story. It's just a bunch of facts. The pictures are kind of cool, but there's nothing to follow. I don't think it would hold the interest of any child who wasn't really into apes or animals in general.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
September 18, 2011
Absolutely beautiful illustrations and a great way to tell a conservation story. As I was looking at the pictures, before even getting to the end, I saw myself in the faces of the apes. I also love that they don't completely cute up the apes for the audience. Nature can be a violent place as can the apes and, in one segment, they acknowledge this. Not overtly, but enough that a kid's not going to grow up thinking a chimp is entirely a cuddly teddy bear.
December 12, 2013
With compelling illustrations and a conservationist slant, this look at four rare great apes — and one very familiar one — is a book to go ape over.
Swing with a hairy orangutan and her baby as they lunge for a smelly, spiky durian fruit. Roam and play with a gang of chimps, then poke out some tasty termites with a blade of grass. Chatter and feast on figs with a bonobo, or chomp on bamboo with a gorilla as he readies for sleep. Wonderful illustrations based on observation.
Swing with a hairy orangutan and her baby as they lunge for a smelly, spiky durian fruit. Roam and play with a gang of chimps, then poke out some tasty termites with a blade of grass. Chatter and feast on figs with a bonobo, or chomp on bamboo with a gorilla as he readies for sleep. Wonderful illustrations based on observation.
February 26, 2008
Ever wondered the difference between yourself, chimpanzees, and orangutans?
This books sheds some gentle light on the similiarities and disctinctions, but with some STUNNING illustrations. I would totally put them on my walls if I was the type of person who put animal pictures on the wall.
File under: beautiful non-fiction
This books sheds some gentle light on the similiarities and disctinctions, but with some STUNNING illustrations. I would totally put them on my walls if I was the type of person who put animal pictures on the wall.
File under: beautiful non-fiction
March 3, 2011
Non-fiction books are great for vocabulary. This has beautiful illustrations that introduce us to similar, but different animals of the ape family. The poetic words give the book a good read-a-loud cadence and make use of descriptive words.
Early Literacy Skills:
Phonological Awareness
Print Motivation
Vocabulary
Early Literacy Skills:
Phonological Awareness
Print Motivation
Vocabulary
October 21, 2011
This beyond beautiful book by Jenkins introduces young readers to 4 of the worlds endangered ape species. Behavioral notes are included. Jenkins also touches on the fact that human beings are the 5th kind of ape and how it is our responsibility to make sure these apes have places to live and raise families.
February 21, 2008
The format was neat in that there were 4-8 page chapters for the five different kinds of apes. There is enough information in each section for a basic report, but Jenkins makes it interesting (instead of just in a fact box).
March 3, 2011
Literacy skills:
Vocabulary-This book will help a child expand on current vocabulary. Instead of calling animals by general terms (monkey) readers will be able to use specific terminology to identify the animals. (Ape, orangutan)
Vocabulary-This book will help a child expand on current vocabulary. Instead of calling animals by general terms (monkey) readers will be able to use specific terminology to identify the animals. (Ape, orangutan)
February 17, 2008
I love the illustrations in this book. It's a great way to teach kids a little about each ape, while also teaching kids how they themselves fit in the animal kingdom.
March 3, 2008
The illustrations by Vicky White are breathtaking
Read
May 16, 2008Beautiful illustrations, very simple text.
July 3, 2008
Ape is amazingly illustrated and gives as close-up view of the family of great apes. You'll be surprised by the last one.
December 14, 2008
A good introduction book on basic primate types; good for young child. Beautiful illustrations
December 10, 2008
I love the illustrations in this book....Candlewick just keeps on producing wonderful picture books!
January 8, 2012
I loved Can You Save The Tiger? by Martin Jenkins and this one was also very good. Illustrations were done by the Vicky White who is amazing.
March 23, 2012
I love the illustrations. It's beautiful.....
March 25, 2013
Some of the most beautiful illustrations I've seen! Gorgeous book!
October 2, 2013
Gorgeous! Another great one by Jenkins!
June 9, 2014
A reread with this group of students - perfect title to read after we finished The One and Only Ivan
May 19, 2015
Perhaps it is the illustrations or the lack of color, but my daughter did not enjoy this book as much as the others by Martin Jenkins. Still highly educational and worthy of reading
May 1, 2008
The illustrations in this one are breathtaking.
May 16, 2008
Great pictures and simple text.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews