From the series Envenomators
Deadly Scorpion Sting!
Reading Level Grade 4Interest Level Grades 2 – 7Copyright 2019
Reviewed
From the series Envenomators
Reading Level Grade 4Interest Level Grades 2 – 7Copyright 2019
ReviewedDeep in the jungles of Thailand, Gareth Pike awoke one sunny morning in 2007. As he was getting dressed, he reached down to grab a pair of shorts off his floor. Suddenly, Gareth felt a horrible stinging pain in his thumb. Then he spotted a deadly black scorpion scurrying away. “I was in dreadful pain,” said Gareth. Would he survive his encounter with a venomous scorpion? Learn all about venomous scorpions in this engrossing narrative nonfiction book for young readers. It’s packed with exciting wildlife encounters, cutting-edge science, and loads of info about venom and its deadly effects.
Friends of creepy crawlies and more dangerous creatures will not only get a thrill but learn all sorts of things about the world of scorpions. The theme of this book is very clear - ”deadly scorpions. The first page already introduces a wild environment in the jungles of Thailand and a man who lost his life thanks to a tiny black scorpion. The ominous tone is set...and it's clear why this book isn't recommend for younger readers. But this isn't a 'horror' story. Rather, facts are everything, and while the danger of the venom is clear, the scientific end stays front and center. A few reallife stories from victims, who've been stung by scorpions give the book a creepy setting which is sure to intrigue readers, but at the same time, the scorpions are explained, investigated and presented not only from a biological standpoint but also from a chemical one. Readers learn that the venom might be dangerous, but it also offers hopes for the future in medicinal areas. Various species of scorpions are presented with bright, clear photos which present them in the natural habitat. The anatomy is briefly explained, habits, antivenom and the truth about scorpion stings. While the main information is presented in paragraph form, other interesting tidbits are scattered in bubbles throughout the page, making it fun to flip through. At the end of the book, there's a glossary, a small chart of the three scorpions to really look out for, an index, places where more information can be found, and a website address to also learn more. It's a short, bright book which especially reluctant readers will appreciate. The information is well laidout, making it interesting and enjoyable to flip through time and again.
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