Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles

By Corey Tutt
Illustrated by Ben Williams

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Deadly Science founder Corey Tutt,  author of The First Scientists. has here teamed up with Ben Williams to produce a gorgeous and informative book celebrating First Nations knowledge about animals found on Country, from lizards and snakes to turtles and crocodiles.

It’s a sturdy hardback of 135 pages bursting with facts about each reptile. Readers learn about  favourite feeds, breeding and babies as well as conservation, predators and prey. What sets this book apart from the usual animal facts book is its careful interweaving of First Nations and Western language and knowledge. Deadly in this case is how ‘us Blakfellas … describe something that’s cool and awesome’. p3.

After the welcome which has general information about turtles, lizards, crocodiles and snakes the book goes Country by Country and, after an introduction and map, features significant animals of that land. For example Balawagarr, the central bearded dragon, is deadly because of its habit of changing the colour of its ‘beard’ and hissing when threatened.

The vibrant and extensive illustrations are a vital part in learning about the land and animals described. These animals have expressions and a bonus is seeing them all reproduced in the splendid endpapers.

A great way to acknowledge First Nations knowledge and  introduce it to all Australians. Recommended for school libraries and any child who loves reptiles.

Teaching Resources

A & U Children 2025

Corey Tutt

Ben Williams