Let’s be honest, kids are always on the move.
Running down hallways. Climbing anything they can reach. Jumping, spinning, exploring… sometimes all at once. And while that energy is wonderful, it can also lead to those heart-skipping moments where you think, “Slow down!”
That’s exactly why kids (and parents) are falling in love with Marcus Monkey’s Safety Smarts: Stop • Look • Choose by Mark Leeming.
Because Marcus? He’s just like your child.
Marcus Monkey loves to move. He’s curious, playful and full of life. But like many young children, he sometimes forgets to think before he acts. One minute he’s zooming through a corridor… the next, he’s bumping into something. Sound familiar?
Here’s where the story takes a refreshing turn.
Instead of being told off or made to feel bad, Marcus is gently guided by his group of friends known as the Safety Squad. And they don’t overwhelm him with rules. They give him something simple. Something he can actually use.
Three small steps:
Stop • Look • Choose
That’s it.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you, this is where the magic happens.
As you read along, you will notice something special. The story doesn’t lecture. It shows. When Marcus runs too fast, slips on a wet surface or tries something risky, the Safety Squad steps in calmly and helps him pause, look around and make a better choice.
And here’s the best part: kids pick it up instantly.
They start repeating it.
They start remembering it.
They start using it.
Suddenly, “Be careful!” turns into something far more powerful: a child who knows how to be careful.
That’s what makes Marcus a little hero.
Not because he’s perfect but because he learns. And then… he grows.
In fact, one of the most heartwarming moments in the book comes when Marcus begins teaching another young monkey the same three steps. It’s a subtle shift, but an important one. He’s no longer just the learner; he’s becoming the guide.
And kids love that.
They see that making mistakes is okay. That learning takes time. And that they, too, can become “safety smart.”
Now, let’s talk about why parents are loving this book just as much.
For starters, it takes the stress out of teaching safety. Instead of constant reminders or warnings, you now have a shared language you can use every day.
Heading to the stairs?
“Let’s Stop • Look • Choose.”
At the playground?
“Pause, what do we do first?”
It becomes natural. Easy. Even a little fun.
What’s more, Mark Leeming has created this story with all children in mind, including those with ADHD and autism. The clear structure, repetition and gentle tone make it easier for children with busy or impulsive minds to understand and apply what they’re learning without feeling overwhelmed.
And that matters.
Because every child deserves to feel confident navigating their world.
At its heart, Marcus Monkey’s Safety Smarts isn’t just about avoiding bumps or slips. It’s about building awareness. Confidence. Independence.
It’s about giving children a tool they can carry with them at home, at school, at the park… anywhere life takes them.
So yes, Marcus Monkey may be small.
But the lessons he teaches?
They are big, lasting and incredibly powerful.
And that’s what makes him a hero worth meeting.
