Deadliest Animals!

by Melissa Stewart

National Geographic Children’s Books, 2011

for ages 6–9

ISBN 978–142630-757–7

Purchase this book at your local independent bookseller or Amazon.com.

Everyone knows that lions and tigers and bears are deadly, but this book also looks at some little-known troublemakers. For example, the golf ball-sized blue-ringed octopus contains enough venom to kill 26 people. And the Sydney funnel web spider is one of the most dangerous creatures on Earth. Kids will be fascinated by the cast of critters highlighted in this book. Sharks, snakes, jellyfish, and more — these creatures are among the most threatening — and interesting — in the world!

Honors and Awards

Junior Library Guild selection

Reviews

“After finishing this book, readers will be spouting information about the dangers of being kicked in the chest by a kangaroo, outrun by a hippo, and cornered by a black mamba snake. Vivid nature photos show the deadly creatures in action. Silly jokes (‘Q: What do whales like to eat with peanut butter? A: Jellyfish’) and ‘Toxic Tidbit’ sidebars maintain readers’ attention.” (The Horn Book Guide)

Behind the Book

“I hope kids have as much fun reading this book as I did writing it. From the moment my editor suggested this title, I knew it would be a blast.

“I spent weeks reading about the usual suspects — sharks, snakes, crocodiles, but what really caught my attention were the little guys. Many small invertebrates make enough venom to really pack a punch. From bees and box jellies to scorpions and stonefish, bad things can come in small packages.

“What’s the deadliest creature of all? Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out. I promise the answer will really surprise you.”