The Most Important Animal Of All

The Most Important Animal of All is an award-winning picture book about seven super-animals – important keystone species – beautifully illustrated by Hannah Bailey and endorsed by The British Ecological Society.A class is learning all about animals and their teacher challenges them to decide which is the most important animal of all. Seven children champion a different animal for the top spot. Is it...BEES as master pollinatorsBATS as night-time predators and pollinatorsELEPHANTS who shape their landscapes and spread seedsBEAVERS who create watery habitats TIGERS who keep their food web in balance SHARKS who keep our oceans healthy and increase biodiversityKRILL as food for many whales and sea creaturesThere is lots of information about each animals, as well as other keystone species, plus photographs to see them up close and in their habitats. This is a positive and gentle primer for young children from 5 years old about the issues of habitat loss, endangered species and climate change. "Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall all be saved" – Dr Jane Goodall.

“A wonderful celebration of nature and the inspiring and diverse contributions that species make to the world we live in.” – Professor Helen Roy, member of the British Ecological Society “Engaging and understandable for newly independent readers, and the style makes for a fabulous non-fiction read aloud.” – @MissNCleveland, teacher and book blogger “I hope every primary school in the land buys a copy – they really should!” – Dr George McGavin, lecturer, scientist, explorer and BBC presenter

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. Author 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.