An entertaining, informative look at predators of all kind. ( )

This little book with it's quirky facts and humorous illustrations joins a series of nonfiction collaborations between Nicola Davies and Neal Layton. Previous titles include Poop, Extreme Animals, What's Eating You and Just the right size.

This book tackles deadly and dangerous animals. Not just big predators like sharks and bears, but smaller bugs and other animals. The book begins with a chart of the animals that will be covered and their danger factors, then moves on to more details. There are big cats, dogs and wolves, sharks, crocodiles, a variety of undersea creatures, winged predators, snakes, and a selection of bugs and insects. Some are deadly to humans, some only to other animals. The final chapters discuss how humans live - or die - with deadly predators, from milking snakes of their venom to the destruction of sharks worldwide. The book also includes an index and glossary.

Davies' writing style in this book is a perfect match for Neal Layton's gory caricatures. The book talks honestly but in a humorous way about the dangers of these animals and how, despite their deadly abilities, they are often at risk from humans or misunderstood. There are pictures of a crocodile ripping apart a zebra, exploding ants, shocking electric eels, and more.

Verdict: This will appeal both to kids who like weird and gross facts and to those who like serious nonfiction. While my preference is for photographs in nonfiction, the pictures in this book do suit the writing style and will attract kids who want something that looks funny as well as informative.

ISBN: 9780763662318; Published 2013 by Candlewick; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

A humorous approach to describing the danger and killing habits of these creatures/animals. The illustrations provide a comical style to such a gruesome and terrifying topic. ( )

I liked this book well enough, but not as much as I thought I would. It started out with so much potential. It had interesting facts told through cute comic book cartoons. It was funny, but as the book continued it lost its charm. Older children will be interested in the content. There is a lot of information and if they are patient and realize that they can't get through this book in one sitting, I think that they will enjoy the book. It can be used in a science class, especially one that discusses animals and their prey or types of animal adaptation. I would recommend it for grades 4 and up, maybe an advanced 3rd grader would enjoy it. ( )