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The Department of Deadly Perils (identified by their skull-and-crossbones logo) gives sleepwalking a peril rating of 2 out of 10, a hurricane 8/10, and an Anopheles mosquito 9/10. They briefly explain, in steps, the worst that could happen to you in such encounters but follow it up with avoidance techniques, a fact file which gives background information, and a “good news” paragraph - all of which readers can use to stay safe and avoid panic.
While some of the 66 deadly perils have never been reported (being killed by frozen toilet waste or a coconut hit to the head) or are rare occurrences (being stuck in quicksand or being onboard a sinking ship), others occur with an alarming frequency around the world (tornadoes and earthquakes).
Two pages are devotes to each deadly peril. They resemble paper-clipped journal entries and contain one monotone-colored illustration along with text (in different fonts) that has been divided under consistent headings and subheadings.
In discussing each deadly peril, myths are dispelled while realities (both good and bad) are highlighted. The text is small in places, with no index or bibliography, but a few unfamiliar words are defined in brackets after the word (i.e. vortex) and colored tabs are helpful for locating the eight different chapters. After reading this book full of warnings, children will know a little more about when and where disasters can happen, how they can avoid danger, and how to keep safe if the inevitable or unexpected happens.
Tracey Turner’s (101 Things series) bright red and yellow-covered book will be visible from any shelf and could be paired with books in the You Wouldn’t Want to… series to show a more complete history of deadly perils over the years.
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Tanya Boudreau/2010 for curled
up with a good kid's book |
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For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews,
visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)
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Deadly Perils: And How to Avoid Them