Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles by Corey Tutt, illustrated by Ben Williams
(Allen & Unwin)
“For this book, I worked with the support and permission of Elders and Traditional Owners to use the First Nations names for all 68 reptiles included here. Perhaps you might like to ask the Elders, or the Aboriginal officer at your school, what the local names are for the animals where you live?”
{Corey Tutt in Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles)
Interview with Corey Tutt OAM about Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles
Congratulations on Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles being a 2026 CBCA Shortlisted Book in the Eve Pownall Non-Fiction award category, as well as in other awards. It is unique, exciting and important and is sumptuous as well as scientific.
Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords blog.
What is unique, exciting and important about Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles?
I think it’s important to reflect on language and culture when it comes to reptiles, because often traditional names are more scientifically accurate to what those animals are. For example a brown snake isn’t always brown however some First Nations groups have names for Brown snakes that are related to their size not just their colour.
A feature of the book is its structure based on place and location. The reptiles are shown in areas based on the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia. Corey, you are a Kamilaroi man. Could you tell us something about that place and its reptiles?
Kamilaroi country is a wonderland for wildlife we have so many amazing rare and endemic species that occur on our traditional lands and the animals that call country home are country and should be deeply respected as we don’t own country- we are custodians which means we must care for it and it’s inhabitants.
Could you describe the general page composition and how it showcases the reptiles of a place?
This concept draws from the magic of a traveler’s passport—each page a new horizon to get lost in. It is a journey of the heart and mind, built on a foundation of deep respect for the land and a commitment to elevating the wisdom of our elders.
What are the three most important facts young readers could learn about each reptile?
From bottom-breathing turtles and monogamous shinglebacks to self-cloning snakes that hunt using caudal luring, nature is full of extraordinary survival strategies.
What is the most ‘deadly’ – in both meanings – reptile in your book?
Deadly is to describe something as awesome in Aboriginal slang or kriol, Deadly in the english language is to describe something as dangerous. However we adpoted the term deadly from the irish to describe something as cool or awesome.
Which reptile most surprises you?
I think the death adder or burtons legless lizard they’re amazing but they’re all very cool.
Which piece of information in the book seems almost unbelievable?
I think the fact green sea turtles glow in the dark i think thats pretty cool.
What is your favourite of Ben Williams’ illustrations in the book? Why?
I love the green sea turtle and i also love the eastern bearded dragon.
Which area (and reptiles) did you need to leave out?
There unfortunately was 40 species to leave out unfortunately ben couldn’t paint them all the biggest regret was the Rough scaled snake. I helped revive that language name for the Bundjlung people.
Could you tell us something briefly about DeadlyScience? What do you treasure about it or your role there?
Since 2018, DeadlyScience has been transforming STEM equity for First Nations students. Our multi-faceted approach includes distributing thousands of resource boxes to remote schools, providing on-site curriculum support, and delivering teacher training. Through our pathways program, we actively support the next generation of Indigenous STEM professionals.
What impact has being CBCA shortlisted had on you or the book so far?
This achievement is a landmark moment for non-fiction literature. As the first book of its kind to be recognised by the CBCA, it highlights the importance of representation and scientific education in children’s publishing. I am immensely proud of the work Ben and I have accomplished together.
What is a response to the book that has meant a lot to you?
It’s been incredibly humbling and makes me so excited for the future.
What is one way you suggest using the book in schools?
Turn the book into additional resources like memory game. Or information reports.
Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles at Allen & Unwin
My review of The First Scientists by Corey Tutt & Blak Douglas at PaperbarkWords
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