The Deadliest: Spider

Ages 7 to 10, Grades 2 to 5

Six venomous spiders face off against the Death-O-Meter to determine which will be crowned the deadliest of the species.

Meet the deadliest spiders on Earth. Whose bite is the most venomous? Is it the sneaky black widow? The shy recluse? The aggressive Brazilian wandering spider? Or someone else? The host of this stiff competition, Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, teaches the rules for spider interactions (Do not touch! Do not fear!), gives a digestible breakdown of arachnids, and introduces the contestants. The Deadliest: Spider invites readers into the world of spiders: where they live, their spidery habits—and what could happen if you get bitten by one. It also encourages readers to appreciate them, showing how they survive, why they’re important to the places they live—and why we should leave them alone and protect them. With humor and accessible science presented in a colorful graphic format by best-selling artist Max Temescu, this fang-filled picture book shows that a lot to learn about these deadly creatures beyond their venomous bites.

About the Author

Eleanor Spicer Rice, PhD, is an entomologist, science writer, and regular expert on Discovery’s What on Earth? She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.Max Temescu illustrated the New York Times bestseller Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars. He lives in Washington, DC.