50 Poisonous Questions (by Tanya Lloyd Kyi & Ross Kinnaird)

Description

It’s a toxic world out there. Poisonous snakes, toxic herbicides, noxious fumes — poisons in one form or another are all around us. An innocent-looking flower may be lethal, and smog can make it impossible to breathe. Poisons can be the death of us, but they can also cure disease.

The second book in Annick’s 50 Questions series provides answers to many intriguing questions, such as: • Should you pee on a jellyfish sting? No, douse it with vinegar! • Why was the Mad Hatter mad? From working with mercury nitrate. • Can venomous lizards cure diabetes? Yes, a drug used to treat the disease comes from the Gila monster’s venom.

Poison Puzzles at the end of each chapter then test the readers’ knowledge.

Young readers who want to avoid paint that kills or leaves that give blisters can explore the fascinating and dangerous world of poisons. And don’t be afraid! The killer cartoons and dead-funny text are venom-free.

Editorial Review

“… just the thing to entice readers seeking intriguing facts.”

— School Library Journal, 09/11

This title, the second in the 50 Questions Series, provides an introduction to the wide range of rather grim, but surprisingly fascinating, poisons that imperil our world.

The volume is divided into eight segments, each of which covers a specific type of poison. “Spikes and Fangs,” “Bugged Out,” “Lethal Leaves” and “Gas Blasts” are some of the diverting chapter headings, covering the respective topics of venoms, toxic insects, deadly plants and gases.

Further sub-sections are created through the use of such compelling questions as “Can Gila monsters cure diabetes?”, “Why was the Mad Hatter mad?” and “Do snails carry weapons?” Intriguing factoids in the form of “Foul Facts” are scattered throughout, and a “Poison Puzzle” acts as a challenging quiz at the end of each chapter.

These engaging devices — plus the sense of humour, compelling information, short readable pieces and catchy headings — make this a pleasure for reading straight through or for casual browsing. The colourful cartoon-style illustrations are simply hilarious and greatly enhance the value of the text.

Award-winning author Tanya Lloyd Kyi combines the science of poisons with other branches of learning such as anthropology, history, medicine, warfare, weather, etc., as they pertain to the subject, making for a thought-provoking read. For serious students, a comprehensive index, a rather limited reading list and a lengthier bibliography are included.

Following on their success with 50 Burning Questions, Ross Kinnaird and Tanya Lloyd Kyi have proved to be a winning team with this second accessible overview on an intriguing topic.

Source: The Canadian Children's Bookcentre. Summer 2011. Volume 34 No. 3.

A kid-friendly question-and-answer format accompanied by hilarious illustrations makes for an interesting and entertaining look at toxic substances in nature, medicine and industry. Learn about the poisons found in the tiniest ants or in the largest factories on Earth, and learn what to do if you come in contact with some of the most dangerous chemicals in the world.

Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Best Books for Kids & Teens. Fall, 2012.

50 Poisonous Questions

A Book With Bite

by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Ross Kinnaird

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