Most Important Animal of All

In July 2008, after a debate by scientists at the Royal Geographical Society, the Earthwatch Institute declared bees as the most important living beings on the planet.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, endorsed by the British Ecological Society, a teacher challenges her class to come to their own conclusions about the most important animal of all. Seven children champion an animal for the top spot. Is it...

• bees as master pollinators, vital for plant reproduction and food for all
• beavers as ecosystem engineers that shape their wetland habitats
• bats pollinators, seed dispersers, and night predators, they keep insect populations in check
• elephants ecosystem engineers and seed dispersers who knew poo could be so useful?
• krill a foundation species, bottom of the food chain and vital for marine species
• sharks and tigers apex predators that regulate the food chain?

As with the Earthwatch debate, this books encourages inquiry, discussion, and critical thinking. By learning why these animals are important, children will gain an understanding of ecosystems. This is a positive, gentle primer to the worrying issues of habitat loss, endangered species, and climate change.

About the Authors

Penny Worms has 30 years' experience writing, editing and packaging children's books. She was advised by ecologist, educator and writer Alex Morss; Drs Ali Birkett and Sally Keith from Lancaster University; and Gemma Bailey, educator at The Big Cat Sanctuary. A panel of experts from the British Ecological Society have reviewed and endorsed the book, including Dr Christopher Jeffs, and Professor Helen Roy from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

About the Illustrator

Hannah Bailey is a talented illustrator who has established a reputation for non-fiction picture books. When the Whales Walked (Words & Pictures) won the SLA Children's Choice Award for 7-12s, and in the US was an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students.