Never Talk to Strangers

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Author(s)

Irma Joyce

Co-Authors / Illustrators

S.D. Schindler

Publisher

Golden Books

Genre(s)

Picture Book

Age Range

Release Date

June 01, 1970

ISBN

0375849645

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If you are hanging from a trapeze And up sneaks a camel with bony knees, Remember this rule, if you please— Never talk to strangers. This book brilliantly highlights situations that children will find themselves in—whether they’re at home and the doorbell rings, or playing in the park, or mailing a letter on their street—and tells them what to do if a stranger (always portrayed as a large animal, such as a rhino) approaches. Colorful, ’60s-style “psychedelic” artwork and witty, lively rhyme clearly spell out a message about safety that empowers kids, and that has never been more relevant.

If you are hanging from a trapeze And up sneaks a camel with bony knees, Remember this rule, if you please— Never talk to strangers.

This book brilliantly highlights situations that children will find themselves in—whether they’re at home and the doorbell rings, or playing in the park, or mailing a letter on their street—and tells them what to do if a stranger (always portrayed as a large animal, such as a rhino) approaches. Colorful, ’60s-style “psychedelic” artwork and witty, lively rhyme clearly spell out a message about safety that empowers kids, and that has never been more relevant.

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Old Lesson, New Generation

March 29, 2009 (Updated: June 29, 2026)

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Reader reviewed by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, The Original H.I.R. (Historical Investigative Reporter)

Never talk to Strangers, by Irma Joyce is a cute book, it really is. Its chocked full of colorful animals and insects, and the children who try to figure out whether they should talk to them or not. That being said, I have a problem with this book. The book's message is timeless, but the method of conveying this message has not been updated since the book was originally written in the 1960s.

Joyce describes various situations in which a child should never talk to strangers, such as when encountering grumpy bears or pushy rhinos or camels with boney knees (???). Then she describe those times its okay to talk to strangers, suggesting that if your teacher introduces you to someone, its okay to invite them over because your teacher knows them; and if a pal you already know brings one of his friends to your home, thats okay too, because your pal knows that person.

Im sorry, but I just cant agree with these statements. They may have been appropriate in the 1960's, but not today. We live in a dangerous world. Children go missing everyday. Even teachers do inappropriate things at times. Sending the message that its okay to allow strangers into your home because your teacher or your pal knows them is unacceptable. Children need solid information about when and how to interact with strangers. They must be taught how to recognize inappropriate or threatening behavior.

It is apparent that this was a wonderfully useful book when it was written in the 1960's, and I have no doubt it was beloved by children and parents everywhere. But times have changed and things are different now. Using smiling animals and insects to teach lessons about strangers is just not practical, at least not in my opinion.

In the words of our new President during his historic campaign, Its time for a change. An update of such a beloved book as this one just might save someone's life.

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