What's deadlier: a puffer fish or a great white shark? A tiger or a lion? A beautiful flower or a venomous snake? In this episode, we sit down with PhD entomologist and author Eleanor Spicer Rice to explore the shocking, fascinating, and sometimes gross world of her hit The Deadliest book series. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged as we uncover which creatures are nature's most lethal competitors - and why the winners might not be what you expect.
This interview is a must-watch for curious kids, parents, and anyone fascinated by the natural world. Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, an expert in entomology for kids, reveals the incredible science behind her unique children's science books, which are formatted like a thrilling game show where animals compete for the title of "deadliest." We dive deep into the criteria she uses to crown a winner (it's all about the numbers!) and discuss some of the most surprising contenders from her books on snakes, flowers, big cats, and the upcoming sea creatures edition. Dr. Rice shares why the deadliest flower kills 8 million people a year and why the deadliest sea creature isn't a shark, but a delicacy people eat on purpose
Beyond The Deadliest book series, the Eleanor Spicer Rice author discussion covers her journey from studying ants and bees to writing for children. She shares mind-blowing facts, like that the average American eats four pounds of insects a year and that clean houses can contain 100 different species of bugs. We also explore her other work, the Your Hidden Life series, which investigates mind-controlling microbes that can influence your mood and the secret ways your pets interact with the world - like how dogs align with the Earth's magnetic field when they go to the bathroom. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rice's passion for turning fear into fascination shines, encouraging a sense of wonder about the often-misunderstood creatures living all around us.
LEARN MORE FROM OUR GUEST / EPISODE RESOURCES:
Explore The Deadliest book series (Spiders, Snakes, Big Cats, Flowers, and more)
Discover the Your Hidden Life series
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