Don’t Eat the Cleaners!

Tiny Fish with a Big Job

Ages 4-8

Marvel in this fascinating exploration of aquatic animal behavior
in coral reefs around the world!

Don’t Eat the Cleaners! celebrates the teamwork of the tiny but mighty cleaner fishes and shrimp that scrub larger ocean animals of pesky parasites in return for a tasty meal. 

Children will be amazed to learn that sea turtles, manta rays, and even sharks line up for a scrubbing in “cleaning stations,” just like at a car wash. Some customers return 100 times a day! Cleaners even have specialties, like “sea dentist” cleaner shrimp that clean the teeth of a moray eel. And all the ocean animals must remember the important rule if they want a washing by the cleaning crew: DON’T EAT THE CLEANERS!

Back matter includes images identifying all 30 animals and a fun matching game: can you find the animals in the book?

REVIEWS

"(A) lively book. Children can gather plenty... of enjoyment from Stockdale’s cheery explainer." Booklist

"A striking demonstration of cooperation in the natural world." Kirkus Reviews