Death Eaters

Meet Nature's Scavengers

By: Kelly Milner Halls

Narrated by: Book Buddy Digital Media

What happens to the bodies of animals and humans after death? Nature's army of death eaters steps in to take care of cleanup. Without these masters of decomposition, our planet would be covered in rotting bodies. This high-interest science text dives into the science behind how bodies decompose.

©2018 Kelly Milner Halls (P)2020 Lerner Digital ™

Critic reviews

"Readers who enjoy the gross side of life (and death) will find this title to their liking. Halls begins with the death of a wild boar, and describes what and how the process of decomposition takes place. One chapter describes creepy-crawly creatures, such as blowflies, maggots, roly-polys, burying beetles, and meat ants. Furry animals, such as squirrels, skunks, and raccoons, hunt for their food, but are also willing to enjoy a free carrion meal. Halls also explains how various sea creatures help remove dead matter form the oceans. The author briefly describes 'sky burials,' which often take place in the mountains of Mongolia and Tibet in which a human corpse is offered to the vultures of the Larung Valley. (Family is permitted to observe the ritual, but tourists are not.) Burial at sea is also mentioned.... VERDICT Though there may be many 'oohs' and 'yucks' from readers, this may well be a popular title. A top purchase for robust collections." (School Library Journal)