This Book Is Dangerous!

Narwhal and Jelly Picture Books #1

by Ben Clanton

Take the plunge into this interactive picture book spin-off of the bestselling Narwhal & Jelly series starring everyone’s favorite anxious jellyfish. Help Jelly attempt to safely navigate through the dangerous ocean and this book — with hilarious results! Features a glow-in-the-dark cover!

Did the title just say that this book is dangerous? Jelly doesn't do dangerous. Can you help Jelly find a way out? Just don't move a muscle or make any loud noises, okay? And definitely DON'T touch anything!

While everything seems to come sunny-side up for Narwhal on their adventures, Jelly has more than a few worries about the many dangers out there in the sea serpents, pirate crabs, circus cannons, lost porcupines, and spiky things of any kind could be lurking around each turn of the page! In the tradition of interactive classics like The Monster at the End of This Book, Jelly has got to find a way out of this book, and it's up to the reader to help this little jellyfish . . . or not!

This book is dangerously fun!

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Animals, Storytime, Childrens, Adventure, Juvenile

44 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 2025

About the author

Ben Clanton is the author/illustrator of the Narwhal and Jelly series as well as a number of other books as IT CAME IN THE MAIL, MO'S MUSTACHE, and TATER TALES. When Ben isn't doodling up stories (and often when he is) he likes to cook, explore outdoors, and play basketball. Ben lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and kids. Find out more about Ben at www.benclanton.com.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amusing riff on Sesame Street's The Monster at the End of this Book, with Jelly taking over the Grover role of interacting with the reader and begging us not to cause the trouble we are immediately compelled to inflict upon him.


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

[Araya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Illustrations: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I rather enjoyed this instalment into the series, it was funny and engaging. The story was good and I loved the illustrations.
Thank you NetGalley.

[Leeanne McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad to have a Narwhal and Jelly picture book. Hopefully there will be more. Very colorful and interactive book. Make sure you poke the cannon before you turn the page. Don’t worry there’s a happy ending.

[Stephanie Molnar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all Narwhal and Jelly books, this was a delight.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Narwhal and Jelly Series. The picture book is perfect!! Super fun and colorful pictures!!!

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the reader is kind of torturing Jelly, but I think the kids will love it. And it's a great example of a book where you need the illustrations to support the text, or else it doesn't make sense.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop this book is so cute and funny!

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Wildly Funny and Wonderfully Interactive — A Must-Read for Fans of Narwhal and Jelly!**

*This Book is Dangerous* by Ben Clanton has become an instant hit in our house — the kind of book kids ask for again and again (and again). If you're familiar with Clanton's beloved *Narwhal and Jelly* series, you'll feel right at home with his signature humor, playful illustrations, and fourth-wall-breaking fun — but this time, things are kicked up a notch with a new character and a super creative twist.

The story follows Jelly who wakes up to find himself trapped inside a book. From the moment he realizes something fishy is going on, the story becomes a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud quest for escape. Along the way, Jelly meets a delightfully odd cast of characters and faces all sorts of ridiculous “dangers”. The book plays with format, suspense, and humor in all the right ways, constantly inviting readers to interact and stay on their toes.

Despite its spooky-looking cover, this book isn’t scary — it’s clever, silly, and full of surprises. It’s the kind of story that encourages kids to talk, shout, point at the pages, and fully immerse themselves in the reading experience.

Ben Clanton once again proves he knows exactly what makes young readers tick. Fans of *Narwhal and Jelly*, *The Book with No Pictures*, or Mo Willems’ *We Are in a Book!* will absolutely love this. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or librarian, this is a read-aloud gem that deserves a spot on your shelf — and a permanent place in your storytime rotation.

[Sun Young Peony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this brave little jellyfish travels alone through the wide, wonderful ocean. Every page is exciting. You'll be eager to see what amazing things and friendly (or not-so-friendly) creatures he finds next.

What makes this book so good? It's more than just a story... it's an experience! I love how engaging and interactive it is. It really pulls you right into the deep blue sea.

The beautiful illustrations are so CLEAR AND DETAILED that you can easily understand what's happening in the story without even reading the words/context. They really bring the jellyfish's journey to life and give a clear picture of each scene. Plus... the mysterious title, "This Book is Dangerous" will definitely make you curious from the very first page. You'll want to read on to find out why!

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NOTE: This is my personal opinion about the book. My goal is to share my experience, not to change anyone's perspective. Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Book Group for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Jennifer Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Clanton has created a niche of interactive picture books. This one adds a bit of adventure sprinkled with humor that kids will love! The book begs to be read aloud with a child. Unlike his previous books, this one with Jellyfish as our main character, has lots of things the reader should NOT do. For example, they should not make a peep or don't touch the cannon. Once kids inevitably do, the fun ensues.

The illustrations like all of Ben Clanton books are bold and simple. He uses space creatively so when the crab is going after our protagonist, you only see the grabbing claws, giving the reader a more up-close perspective to the danger. With a sweet theme of getting back up when you fall down, this book will engage even the most reluctant reader. Even Narwhal makes an appearance at the end which will encourage readers to move onto more Narwhal and Jelly books.

I received an advanced copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Readers program and Tundra books in exchange for an honest review.

[Aubrey DeJesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This Book is Dangerous!" is the first interactive picture book based on the wildly popular "Narwhal and Jelly" series.

Join Jelly as he journeys throughout the ocean, finding dangers along the way in the form of sea snakes, cannons, and a host of other dangerous things!

My kids LOVE Narwhal and Jelly, and this interactive picture book was pure fun, featuring our favorite anxious jellyfish. I loved how the readers get involved in the story - when Jelly says DON'T do something, like be loud or shake the book, you just have to, right? While Jelly encounters dangers, this book ends in the sweetest way.

I can see this becoming a favorite in our house, and I can't wait to get a physical copy. This would be great for reading to one or two children or as a read aloud to a class.

Thank you to Tundra Book Group and NetGalley for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminiscent of interactive books such as "There’s a Monster at the End of the Book," the first picture book in the Narwhal and Jelly universe is off to a fantastically fun start. Readers help Jelly the jellyfish explore the ocean while meeting the many dangers of the deep blue sea including sea monsters, blowfish, pirate crabs, and even a random cactus. Jelly accidentally gets swallowed by a shark, but fear not - with the readers’ help - it’s “Dangerously Hot Hot Sauce” to the rescue! All ends well when Jelly finds Narwhal and some “dangerously delicious” waffles.

Perfect for Narwhal and Jelly fans as well as new readers! Younger students will surely enjoy interacting with Jelly, getting him in and out of some pretty hilarious situations. Highly recommended, especially where Clanton’s graphic novels are popular.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Katelyn Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

- I received this book from Net Galley -

This book is hilarious!

The fact that the character in the book talks to the reader made my 5 year old so excited. We love these types of books as it reminded me of Mix it Up by Herve Tullet.

The main character, a jellyfish named Jelly, asked her to be quiet didn't work because of course that started the giggling and her shushing me. And Jelly asking to not, under any circumstances, touch the cannon had her little finger creeping towards it like they could see her.

This is a great book to easily add voices as the text is simple and with the highlighted words, or underlined, you as the reader know which to put emphasis on.

I also appreciate any book that hints at the reader to start over, being read again and again with the child knowing that the funny parts are coming and the anticipation to get ready for them.

A wonderful new series that I hope continues!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is Dangerous! This book is also cute!

I received this as an ARC ebook and I was excited to read it. We like Narwhal & Jelly books a lot in this family and my youngest is still at the perfect age for Picture Books.

This book follows Jelly who is just trying to avoid danger. That doesn't go the way he's planned though. The reader causes the chaos that consumes Jelly's experience. He's just trying to get through the danger without conflict, but the reader does all the things that Jelly says not to do. Jelly runs because of this. Finally after running over and over and over again, Jelly decides to finally standup for himself. Which also doesn't go as planned. Finally the reader helps Jelly and he's reunited with his friend.

This was an easy read. The illustrations were great and the story was funny. This would absolutely make kids giggle because of all of the things that happen to Jelly during the book.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Clanton delivers another delightful addition to the Narwhal and Jelly series with This Book Is Dangerous—a playful, interactive read that’s sure to captivate young audiences. This installment stands out for its clever engagement tactics, inviting readers to participate by turning pages, shaking the book, or even starting over, making the reading experience lively and immersive.

In this story, Jelly takes the spotlight and embarks on a solo adventure, encountering a variety of amusingly “dangerous” underwater creatures. Longtime fans will be happy to know that Narwhal does eventually join in, bringing the beloved duo back together.

Highly recommended for fans of the series and young readers who enjoy interactive storytelling. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: How do I exit this place?

Premise/plot: Narwhal and Jelly have starred in an early chapter book series (or is it an early graphic novel chapter book series???) for years now. This is their first picture book, I believe. In this one, Jelly is having a TERRIBLE time of it. And Jelly is blaming YOU the reader for his current troubles. YOU know the book is dangerous. YOU keep turning the pages. YOU keep aggravating the situation by doing the exact opposite of what Jelly wants YOU the reader to do. Will Jelly make it to the end of the book?

My thoughts: I have not read the Narwhal and Jelly series though I have heard great things. This is an 'interactive' picture book. I'll clarify, if YOU the reader use YOUR imagination and play along with Jelly's game, then the book is interactive.

The book is silly and fun. I can see it having appeal with young readers.

[Clwseattle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Book is Dangerous! is only my second foray into Narwal and Jelly. I thought Happy Narwhalidays was cute enough to give it four stars.

My inner 3-to-5-year old's must be on summer vacation, but those who are three to five will love and enjoy participating in This Book is Dangerous!. I imagine a library or preschool group reading will be loud! The drawings are fun and will encourage participation.

Jelly’s trouble is dangerous but not so much that children won’t laugh at the absurdity of it.

"This jellyfish is too HOT to handle!"

I read This Book is Dangerous! on my tablet and it didn’t render well. The images of the pages were too small but enlargeable, however they were still awkward to read.

3.5 stars bumped to 4 stars for This Book is Dangerous!

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun interactive book! A story such a this could have very easily been very dry, boring, and straightforward. Clanton breathed life into Jelly's story and flawlessly included the reader in it as well. This is the main thing that makes this book so fun. It's not the easiest element to add to a book, and Clanton made it look easy. Additionally, everything that the reader is prompted to do helps the story move along, which is another big part of an interactive book that worked really nicely in the case of this book. All in all, I have no doubt that young readers will be laughing out loud while reading this book. Bravo!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for the eARC:
Narwhal and Jelly in picture book form! I wish my boys would have had this when they were too little for the chapter books, but we are loving the transitional readers now. Everything fans love about Narwhal and Jelly is in this picture book, plus it has interactive elements for fans of The Monster at the End of this Book, and Christy Matheson's books, such as "Touch the Magic Tree" or Press Here by Herve Tullet.

This will make a great read-aloud for classroom or library storytimes, and will be fun for parents and children to bond over. Highly recommended!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Is Dangerous! is such a cute addition to the Narwhal and Jelly series of books! I read this with my kids and asked what they thought of it, and their responses were, "Cute! Fun! Awesome!" and I have to agree. While I prefer the interaction between Narwhal and Jelly in most other books in the series, this Jelly-led title still had the fun and humor characteristic of the original books. As a picture book, it is also much easier to read aloud than a graphic novel. I highly recommend it for families with younger children looking for a fun and interactive read aloud experience.

Thank you to Tundra Book Group for gifting my family with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

[Book Blend · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost I love Narwals. That’s what brought my attention but I stayed because this is part of the Narwal and Jelly universe by Ben Clayton.

This time around we are focusing on Jelly. He is a little paranoid and his paranoia gets him into some very delightful and amusing situations. This book is fun and interactive that read aloud story time is going to be so much fun. Watching the kids try and help poor Jelly will be a lot of fun. The illustrations are adorable and well thought out.

I would recommend this for interactive story time for ages 4 and up.

I received an ARC from Tundra Book Group via NetGalley. All opinions as always will be my own.

[Casey Densmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narwhal is a very loved series in my classroom, so I was so excited for this new book! I absolutely loved this book and thought it was adorable! I enjoyed how interactive it was and think children would really enjoy it. I loved the illustrations and the changes in font. I think children would really like how it felt like the jellyfish is talking directly to them.
I would highly recommend this book, and I will be adding it to my classroom library!

Thank you Ben Clanton and Tundra Book Group for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book via NetGalley! This review was written voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

[Brielle "Bookend" Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Clanton returns to the Narwhal and Jelly universe with another fizzy, interactive romp—this time starring everyone’s favorite anxious jellyfish. This Book Is Dangerous! is a silly, inventive read-aloud that turns page-turning itself into the joke, inviting kids to physically “help” Jelly navigate imaginary dangers and giggle their way to the end. While it’s not as original as the early Narwhal books and leans on familiar gags, the series’ signature warmth and comic timing are fully intact. Perfect for storytime, reluctant readers, and anyone who believes books should be as fun as possible—especially when they glow in the dark.

[Catriona Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Day in the Life of Jelly, Without Narwhal

Jelly is a jellyfish, in case this is your first Narwhal & Jelly book. Actually, in this book, Jelly is the star! I can't wait to share this with my grandson. Not only is this a great book, but the illustrations are adorable and it's very funny, so you can laugh too while you read to the the kids!

Thank you to Ben Clanton and NetGalley for the gift of a free advanced reader's copy. I give my reviews their stars based on whether I like them enough to finish them, I have no obligation to anyone. This is great kids' book and it's a series!

[Ashley Healey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Tundra Book Group and Netgalley for this ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Narwhal and Jelly fans will be ecstatic to learn of this picture book companion to their favorite series. True to Clanton's form, this book has all the graphics, humor, and engagement you've come to know and love. Teachers will appreciate this option for a fun read aloud and students won't be able to resist *not* keeping quiet and *not* sitting still despite Jelly's pleas. Excited to add this one to our school's collection! It'll be flying off the shelves for sure.

[Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminiscent of books like the Don’t Let the Pigeon series and The Monster at the End of This Book - the main jellyfish is bargaining with the reader to help him and not turn pages, etc.

Cute illustrations, my kids are iffy on this style, they want to add in their own responses and get disappointed with what happens but were tickled with the hot sauce page.

Worth the quick read if the little isn’t very sensitive to scary themes or characters getting hurt, etc. best for age range 3-6.

Thank you to NG and Tundra for the advanced copy.

[Robin Berman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jelly seems to be scared of everything he encounters in the ocean in this book. He cleverly accidentally on purpose uses hot sauce to get out of a giant shark after being swallowed whole.
There is also lots of evidence of human pollution in the ocean by the objects in the illustrations.
The snorkeling porcupine was cute.
In the end, he meets up with Narwhal and it seems their love for waffles 🧇 calms Jelly down.
The usual bright colorful creative illustrations were great.
It says that the book cover glows in the dark. Need to test it out.

[Leane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The overarching humor makes the anxious situations that Jelly finds himself in more accessible and less scary for anyone, child or adult, who lives with any form of anxiety. Bright primary colors decorate some of the darker spaces like the deep ocean and allow the light to surface. I enjoyed the whole package of illustrations and story line. Readalikes may be Rich and Toro’s I’m Terrified of the Bath, Hyewon Kyung’s Save Your Friends, and Salina Yoon’s Penguin and Pinecone.

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not familiar with Narwhal and Jelly. I found Jelly kind of annoying and Narwhal has a minimal role in this book. I might have liked it better with more Narwhal, but even so it is interactive and fun. I probably would have loved it as a child and I think most kids will enjoy it. I think The Monster at the End of this Book did basically the same thing slightly better, but that could be because I am old and nostalgic.