Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles

This is the ultimate reptile book for kids from DeadlyScience founder Corey Tutt, bestselling author of The First Scientists. Filled with vibrant illustrations and fascinating facts about more than sixty reptiles, Corey celebrates First Nations knowledge of animals found across Country—from lizards and snakes to turtles and crocodiles.

As a child, Corey would run barefoot across fields, climb rocks, and explore red sands in search of reptiles. The only reference books he could find used European and Latin names, but as a Kamilaroi man, he wanted to learn reptile names in First Languages.

Sharing knowledge from twenty different First Nations, Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles is unlike any other reptile guide. For each species, readers will discover its name in a First Language, as well as details about diet, breeding, conservation, predators, prey, and what makes it “deadly” in the best way. Ben Williams’ colorful artwork brings each creature and landscape vividly to life.

Did you know a central bearded dragon’s beard can change color to ward off predators? Or that the temperature of a turtle’s nest decides whether the hatchlings are male or female? Or that some First Nations names describe a reptile more accurately than its European name?

Corey introduces readers to this extraordinary world of reptiles—deadly in more ways than one.

Praise for Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles:
“A captivating dive into Australia’s reptile world, enriched by traditional Aboriginal names that honor cultural knowledge.” – Kirsten Banks
“I can’t wait to read this to my little ones. Great illustrations and what I love best are the local Language names of these Deadly Reptiles!” – Adam Goodes
“A fantastic overview of Australian reptiles… a mix of astonishing, cultural, and scientific details you didn’t know.” – Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki
“Corey Tutt has done it again—an engaging read that celebrates wildlife and the stories of Country they live on.” – Rove McManus
“You can feel Corey’s immense passion for the subject on every page.” – Wil Anderson
“Gorgeous artwork and fascinating science make this a must-have for every nature lover.” – Dr. Vanessa Pirotta
“A spectacular insight into the world of Australia’s reptiles.” – Dan Rumsey

Corey Tutt is a Kamilaroi man born on Yuin Country in Nowra, New South Wales. A lifelong lover of animals and science, Corey founded DeadlyScience in 2018, a not-for-profit organization that provides science resources to remote Australian schools and connects First Nations youth with mentors in STEM. In recognition of his work, Corey was named the 2020 NSW Young Australian of the Year, received the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Human Rights Hero award, and was honored with an OAM in 2022 for his service to Indigenous STEM education. He is an Associate Professor at Western Sydney University and the author of The First Scientists and This Book Thinks Ya Deadly!

Ben Williams (Jangala/Jaburrula) is a young Aboriginal artist from the Kanturrpa clan, totem Milway, of Warlmanpa Country in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory. His vibrant, expressive art draws inspiration from his family of artists, his spiritual connection to land and animals, and his life journey as a queer Blak person. Through his work, Ben shares stories of identity, resilience, and connection.