This well-organized, nonfiction illustrated book highlights some of the unique strategies animals use to defend themselves. The human response to fear is introduced as well, providing readers with a base of prior knowledge and may support understanding through comparing animal and human responses to fear. Each animal in the book has unique features and behaviours that help them survive against predators. Some animals have observable features that signal their defence mechanism. Other animals use venom, secretions, or smells to deter predators.

The animals introduced include insects, cetaceans, mammals, reptiles, and sea creatures. Factual information is presented in point form along with short paragraphs written in clear language. Each animal has a “Get To Know Me” interview box written from the point of view of the animal. The animals are given quirky personalities, and the illustrations are engaging and humorous, keeping readers interested.

Other End Matter: Teacher’s resource
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Lorena D., High School Teacher, BC Books for Schools

Erin Silver is an award-winning children’s author. Her books include Just Watch Me (Krystal Kite Award nominee), What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19 (Hackmatack Award nominee), Proud to Play: LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Made History, Rush Hour: Navigating Our Global Traffic Jam (Blueberry Award winner), Sitting Shiva (Vine Award finalist, TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award finalist) and Good Food, Bad Waste: Let’s Eat for the Planet (2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books finalist). Erin was chosen to tour during Canadian Children’s Book Week in 2023 and is a sought-after speaker at schools, libraries and conferences. She has an MFA in creative nonfiction and a postgraduate journalism degree. Erin lives in Toronto.

Erin Silver's profile page

Hayden Maynard is a Canadian illustrator who graduated from Sheridan College's Illustration program. His clients include the New York Times, The Walrus, the Globe and Mail, Reader's Digest and the Washington Post. Hayden lives in Kingston, Ontario.

Hayden Maynard's profile page

“[Provides] facts that are often unknown and certainly surprising...There will be 'EWS!!!', but there will also be endless fascination.”

Sal's Fiction Addiction

“The term ‘amazing’ in the title is very true; each animal is incredible in its self-defence. This book is informative and written in a tone that can be easily read and understood by young readers, who will see these animals, and themselves, in a new light.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“With peppy prose and colourful, detailed illustrations, this slim value introduces a surprising range of self-protective traits and behaviors from across the animal kingdom…An endnote aims to connect the animal defences featured to kids’ responses to feeling frightened, with suggestions for calming fears, like taking deep breaths. The lively approach and unusual focus set this animal book apart.”

Booklist

“Though most readers would not want to encounter any of the animals highlighted in Mighty Scared... they will be both fascinated and repulsed by the rather disgusting survival techniques mentioned, all part of the book’s appeal! Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

★ “Enthralling…Empowers readers to understand their own human coping mechanisms, while colorful, detailed images soaked in softly muted earth tones build a base of strong general knowledge. The challenge for readers young and old will be to see who says 'ew' first! A thoroughly engaging, fact-filled book with audacious and memorable animal responses to predators. A must-have for every library.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“A juicy topic [that] goes for gusto.”

Kirkus Reviews