Age range 5 to 9

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.

‘'A wonderful celebration of nature and the inspiring and diverse contributions that species make to the world we live in. Accurately presented and beautifully illustrated, every page introduces new ecological insights as the reader joins an exciting journey through the animal kingdom.' — Professor Helen Roy, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology