Review by Booklist Review
Gr 1-4. In the manner of Bugs [BKL N 1 87], the authors employ a hybrid approach that uses a picture book format to draw attention to the interesting assortment of reptiles and amphibians and then switches to a more advanced reading level to present the information. This means that younger readers will need an adult's help, but the information is worth it. Along with the facts on any given species, readers get a simplified but anatomically accurate drawing that labels distinguishing features and key body parts. In addition, a picture glossary shows how tadpoles turn into frogs and presents the internal anatomy of frogs and lizards. Range maps for the cited species are also included. The presentation is fresh and often humorous, but not at the expense of the facts. A worthy companion to its predecessor. --Denise Wilms
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The creators of Bugs offer readers an enticing look at familiar amphibians and reptiles found in the continental United States. As with their earlier work, the left side of each spread features an amusing couplet paired with a cartoon-like drawing. On the right, a detailed, clearly labeled illustration of each animal is accompanied by a concise, fact-filled paragraph. For a short book (48 pages), an astonishingly large amount of information is conveyed, including a picture glossary depicting the life cycles of frogs and toads, relative size information and anatomical diagrams of both a frog and a lizard. Also featured are a glossary of terms, range maps, a chart of the scientific classification for each animal in the book, a bibliography and an index. Certain to appeal to children and scientists alike, this splendid, beautifully designed effort should be required reading for families and school classes contemplating nature expeditions. Ages 6-up. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-- A wonderful blend of humor and factual material, similar in format and style to the authors' Bugs (Greenwillow, 1987). Here they cleverly use playful, nonsense verses (``Onto Patty's pie a la mode hopped a large American toad'') and illustrations to lure readers to a corresponding page of straightforward text and labeled drawings of an amphibian or reptile. A sentence relating to the introductory couplet provides continuity between two dissimilar presentation styles and creates a multilayered approach to learning . Children are sure to enjoy the rhymes, lively watercolor illustrations, and large diagrams. The narrative informs readers about the physical characteristics, behavior , and habitats of these animals, while range maps at the back of the book tell where to locate them. Both common and scientific names are used throughout the book, and a glossary, index, and classification chart are available. A picture glossary shows the stages of amphibian development and the anatomy of frogs and lizards. Some confusion may arise from the use of symbols for nocturnal and for diurnal, as the only key to these symbols is on the copyright page. Other books may include more comprehensive information about amphibians, but this attractive edition will certainly draw attention to the subject. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In a companion volume to 'Bugs' (Greenwillow) the authors turn their scientific know-how to amphibians. The extremely clear and attractively drawn specimens make this book a standout for young naturalists. Bibliography, glossary, index. From HORN BOOK 1990, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An appealing, colorful companion to the authors' Bugs introduces each of 16 North American reptiles and amphibians with a humorous illustration and a rhymed couplet--e.g., ""Peeking from Grant's sailor suit/was a California Newt."" Each facing page provides a carefully labeled drawing of the species and a paragraph of specific information--including the life cycle, special features and adaptations, scientific name, sex, and size. At the end, ""picture glossaries"" show the development of frogs and toads from egg to adult; a timetable for common species; the internal anatomy of a frog or toad (Class Amphibia) and a lizard (Class Reptilia): and the scale patterns of a lizard. While many of these species have a limited range, this is an unusually attractive introduction to some representative reptiles and amphibians. Glossary; range maps; scientific classifications; bibliography; index. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
