Ben Rothery’s Deadly and Dangerous Animals

What makes animals a threat? This book identifies ten ways: Jaws and Claws, Lone Hunters, Teamwork, Speed, Fastest Strike, Stealth, Mimicry, Venom and Poison, Behavior, and Deadliest to Humans. Most chapters consist of two double-spreads. The first identifies several species that exploit that characteristic, and the second highlights one species that best leverages it. For Venom and Poison, there are five species total, with each occupying either one page or half a page. Deadliest to Humans only profiles one species, and only occupies one double-spread. The last page focuses on humans: what makes us dangerous, and how we can use the same advantage (our brains) to reverse global warming and species extinction.

The artwork is realistic and stunning; it could be mistaken for real pictures. The text provides basic information, and it is suitable for elementary school students. It seems like the intent is to entice readers to find out more on their own. The various classifications seem to be geared toward breaking down the concept of the “deadliest animal” and instead showcasing the various methods animals can be deadly. Educators can leverage both features of the book to invoke curiosity and develop critical-thinking skills. While it is not a reference book, it is an excellent learning tool for elementary school readers.