While this book is designed for kids and younger teens, reading it as an adult I found that I couldn't put it down. It is packed wth really interesting information about a wide range of reptiles, where they live and how they live and move. Tutt shares his knowledge and knowledge from twenty different First Nations and cool or, deadly information about sixty reptiles, including various crocodiles, turtles, lizards.

Included are reptiles that many people might not know. The names of the reptiles and where they are found are in both the local First Nations language or dialect as well as the English names. It is interesting to see that there are several Aboriginal names for brown snakes as there are more than one type of brown snake. The same for tiger snakes. Years ago I found a brown snake slithering through the garden into the bush and immediately went indoors with our dog, if I had known this I may have taken more notice of it's markings while looking outside safely from behind the window.

The AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia with an explanation that it attempts to use the language and social or nation groups of Aboriginal Australia is well-worth reading to put the following pages into perspective and it is handy for referring to as you progress through the pages.

Ben William's colourful, engaging illustrations really help readers to have a greater understanding about each of the reptiles that Tutt explains. Using the local language of each nation together with the English names.

This is a good reference book  rather than telling a continuous story, so readers can turn to pages that feature and discuss various aspects of each reptile they are particularly interested in at the time. Yet each double page is told in a story format using personal experiences and with information on how you can help.The reptile pages are clearly marked showing which are endangered species and which are not in danger or of least concern or venomous.

You can also find out which ones are predators or if they are prey, what their favourite food is and what makes them deadly/ccol and how they breed.

If you have a child or teen that is curious or shows an interest in nature and reptiles  this is a must have book in your home library. You might enjoy it too. It would also make a wonderful gift.

The author

Corey Tutt is a Kamilaroi man who was born on Yuin Country in Nowra on the New South Wales south coast. As a kid, he dreamed of becoming a zookeeper and in high school he developed a love of STEM subjects. But unlike the arts and sport, he found there was little encouragement for Aboriginal people to pursue careers in STEM. In 2018, while working as a research assistant for the University of Sydney, Corey founded DeadlyScience, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide science resources to remote schools in Australia, and connects young First Nations people with mentors to encourage their participation in STEM subjects. In 2020, Corey was named the NSW Young Australian of the Year, and a Human Rights Hero by the Australian Human Rights Commission. He continues to work tirelessly to send STEM resources to community schools, and show First Nations kids that STEM is for them.

The illutrator

Ben Williams (Jangala/Jaburrula) is a young Aboriginal artist from the Kanturrpa clan, totem Milway, of Warlmanpa Country (on his mother's father's side). It is hot and dry where his mob live, in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory. Ben creates contemporary art that is inspired by his family who are also artists. He loves to use vibrant colours and expressive detail while sharing deep and vulnerable meanings with his pieces.