"Nathaniel Fludd BEASTOLOGIST" is a chapter book series (ages 6–9), written by R. L. LaFevers, illustrated by Kelly Murphy and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children, an imprint of HMH.



Book 2: The Basilisk's Lair

(June 7, 2010)



Nate Fludd, Beastologist, is back in the camel saddle in hot pursuit of a missing, deadly Basilisk--the King of Serpents.

As if saving an entire Dhughani village from the Basilisk's poisonous gaze isn't difficult enough, Nate and Aunt Phil must begin to piece together the mystery of his parents' disappearance and protect the lone copy of the Fludd Book of Beasts from a sinister man who always seem to be one step ahead of them.

Pack your goggles, rue, and an extra pair of gloves and join Nate on another unbelievable adventure--there's no rest for the world's youngest beastologist-in-training!



The Basilisk's Lair is a Junior Library Guild Selection




Reviewers of this book have said:
"Action-packed, with humorous illustrations, this is a delightful read for young children." -Elizabeth Varadan, Sacramento Book Review

"When his Aunt Phil flies to the western Sudan to recapture an escaped basilisk, she takes Nathaniel Fludd along, reassuring him that he is only to "watch and learn." Instead, he and his gremlin friend, Greasle, play important roles. This satisfying middle-grade adventure features a hesitant, unskilled hero, a miniature sidekick straight from Where the Wild Things Are and an exotic setting in colonial British West Africa in 1928. The basilisk is appropriately scary, and straightforward storytelling leads to an exciting climax." -Kirkus Reviews

"... The basilisk is terrifying, with its deadly venom and scales, and Nate musters all his courage to fight it and continues to wonder who freed the beast and what happened to his parents, who disappeared in Flight of the Phoenix (Houghton, 2009). Children who enjoyed the first book will not be disappointed by the sequel, and those new to the series can easily pick up the story line. The action is nonstop, and the elements of fantasy, mystery, and humor will appeal to a wide audience. Murphy's spot art and occasional full-page drawings carry the action along nicely." -Jane Cronkhite, Santa Clara County Library, CA for School Library Journal