Henry Drummond

Meet Tricky—the most mischievous (and utterly unkillable!) monkey you’ll ever encounter.

Rescued from a rough start by a kind missionary, this little troublemaker swings from one chaotic escapade to the next, leaving a trail of baffled humans in his wake. Whether escaping hangings, outsmarting sailors, or surviving gunfire (with nothing but a singed tail to show for it!), Tricky’s luck is as uncanny as his antics are outrageous.

But when he lands in the care of a shepherd’s family, his mischief takes an unexpected turn. After saving them from a deadly fire, the once-pesky primate proves that even the cheekiest creatures can become heroes.

A classic, high-spirited adventure—perfect for family listening, road trips, or sneaky laughs after lights-out. Charles Featherstone’s lively narration brings each escapade to life as Tricky outwits angry sailors, dodges impossible scrapes, and, against all odds, emerges as an unlikely champion of chaos and charm.

Long before Curious George swung into mischief, before Ferdinand the Bull refused to fight, and before The One and Only Ivan showed the power of kindness, The Monkey That Would Not Kill introduced readers to literature’s original antihero monkey—a hilarious rebel who defies the jungle’s violent rules. 

Rediscover Henry Drummond’s forgotten 1901 classic—a witty, surprisingly modern fable. With themes of nonviolence, empathy, and gentle rebellion, this timeless tale follows the chaos that erupts when one small monkey dares to be different—refusing to bite, steal, or act "like a proper monkey" should. Kids will giggle at Tricky’s uproarious antics, while parents will appreciate the enduring message about individuality and compassion—one that feels as fresh today as it did over a century ago.

A mischievous masterpiece, reborn for a new generation.

Charles Featherstone

Brimir & Blainn

The Monkey That Would Not Kill: A Hilarious Tale of Mischief, Mayhem & Unexpected Heroism. The perfect family listen for fans of Curious George meets Pippi Longstocking

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