While some animals are well known for being dangerous, others are not so obviously threatening. Eighteen such creatures are identified and described, and readers are advised on what not to do if they encounter one of these potentially treacherous animals. One should “NEVER harass a hippopotamus,” which might charge if it feels threatened. It’s a good idea to “NEVER clutch a cane toad,” which can squirt a blinding poison from its neck venom sacs, and “NEVER swim with a squid,” lest it wrap its tentacles around you and use its sharp beak to gouge flesh. Steve Jenkins’s trademark cut- and torn-paper collage illustrations provide striking visual images. Additional information about each animal and suggested further reading are included in the final pages. (Ages 5–9)

When it comes to wild animals, everyone knows that there are certain things you just don't do. It's clearly a bad idea to tease a tiger, pull a python's tail, or bother a black widow spider. But do you know how dangerous it can be to pet a platypus, collect a cone shell, or touch a tang fish? Some creatures have developed unusual ways of protecting themselves or catching prey, and this can make them unexpectedly hazardous to your health.

In this dynamic and fascinating picture book by Steve Jenkins, you'll find out what you should never do if you encounter one of these surprisingly dangerous animals.