Review by Choice Review
This volume, aimed at general readers, is filled with interesting facts and anecdotes, but it also covers the basic facts of lizard biology reasonably well. Badger (Middle Tennessee State Univ.) is a journalism professor who has written similar works on frogs and snakes. Netherton's numerous close-up color photographs beautifully illustrate the book. The author examines the relationship between lizards and humans in popular culture, mythology, and folklore. He also provides a good overview of the physical characteristics and behavior of lizards. The remainder of the work treats 29 assorted lizard species from around the world in accounts ranging from several paragraphs to a page or two; about half these species are from North America. Little information is forthcoming about taxonomy, but the species accounts illustrate the diversity of lizards and will arouse reader interest. A two-page bibliography includes both popular and scholarly works. Though this well-written book is not appropriate for advanced biology students or researchers, it could be useful as an introduction for community college students and lower-division undergraduates, especially nonscience majors. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates. C. E. Buckley Illinois State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Found on every land mass (save Antarctica and a few oceanic islands) and inhabiting a wide array of habitats, lizards form the largest group of living reptiles, but have somehow not grabbed the public's consciousness in the same way as their close relatives the snakes. This book from a writer/photographer team responsible for two other books on herpetofauna [Frogs (2000) and Snakes (1999)] will go a long way to introduce the fascinating lizards. In a conversational tone, Badger lets the reader into the lizards' world. Their traits are amply illustrated by photographer Netherton's remarkable close-up pictures, which also reveal the beauty of many lizard species. The text is enlivened with quotes from writings on lizards, and an ample bibliography will lead the interested reader into the scientific literature. This valuable introduction to the lizards will fill an empty niche in most libraries' collections. --Nancy Bent
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
With the death of Netherton, this book will be the last collaboration between the gifted photographer and journalism professor Badger. Like their earlier volumes, Frogs and Snakes, this work is intended for a general audience. Its four chapters cover folklore and beliefs about lizards; their physical characteristics, senses, and behavior; the major families, with examples of both North American and world lizards; and conservation. Almost half the book is devoted to Badger's short narratives of the natural history of such familiar species as the five-lined skink, Gila monster, Galapagos iguana, and Komodo dragon, along with less familiar species of anoles, chameleons, and geckos. Badger's text draws on current scientific knowledge. Interspersed throughout are Netherton's stunningly detailed color photos of each lizard discussed. With a bibliography and extensive index, this work will be welcome in public and larger high school libraries.-Karen Fischer, Carleton Coll. Lib., Northfield, MN (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.
