Killer Plants by Louise and Richard Spilsbury offers a look at deadly plants and the way they kill their victims. Written for children 8 – 13 years old, in kindergarten through 3rd grade, the book is based on the premise that plants are engineered by nature to survive in their environment. Twelve plants from around the world are described with a focus on how they have evolved strategies to survive.
The plants are loosely grouped by their deadly strategy such as toxins, thorns, and lures. We learn that water hemlock is the most poisonous plant in North America, some pitcher plants are so big they can drown a rat, and the prickly pupa has spiky leaves that work like barbed fences. Subsequent sections reveal the strategies of Venus fly trap, sundew, bladderwort, corskecrew plant, strangler fig, angel’s trumpet, Manchineel tree, and doll’s eyes. A glossary, index, and list of resources conclude the work.
Although I was put off by the title at first, as soon as I looked at the table of contents I saw that Killer Plants was more than just a kids book about carnivorous plants, it had a broader scope and put carnivorous plants into perspective. The text is simple, engaging and informative and the illustrations provide the essence of each plant described. Numerous “FAST FACTS” and “DID YOU KNOW” insets provide tidbits that enhance the text. If you want to broaden young readers idea of deadly plants, this volume offers a good place to begin.
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