Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-Illustrations and text are skillfully blended in these broad introductions. Each large-print text briefly describes basic reptile characteristics; the major physical and behavioral characteristics of its subject animals; and special traits, diets, and geographical locations of eight particular species. Each one also gives an overview of how the animals are viewed in the folklore and mythology of different cultures, and outlines their relationship with humankind today. One or two sharp, full-color photographs appear on about every other page, and extended picture captions supplement the texts. More than two dozen species are depicted in Lizards and a diagram of basic anatomy is provided. Snakes shows over a dozen species and offers several diagrams-two on anatomical features, one on locomotion. A few boxed inserts with miscellaneous facts also appear sporadically in each title. Both texts have appealing formats, and are well organized and clearly written; most scientific terms are defined as they appear. While these titles cover much the same general information as Susan Schafer's Lizards (Benchmark, 2001), Claudia Schnieper's Snakes (Carolrhoda, 1995), and Sandra Markle's Outside and Inside Snakes (Atheneum, 1995), Mattern's and Ruth's titles focus more on the characteristics of individual species and describe them in more detail. Libraries with a heavy demand for materials on these popular reptiles will find these books to be useful additions.-Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library (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 two books in this series, clear color photographs and an accessible text introduce these often misunderstood reptiles. The text includes information about habitat, life cycles, and defenses, as well as a chapter on threats from humans. Short chapters and the easy-to-read typeface will encourage reluctant readers. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Animals Animals titles: [cf2]Lizards[cf1] and [cf2]Snakes.[cf1]] (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.
