Review by Horn Book Review
Despite the draw of some arresting photos (e.g., a snake that has swallowed an entire egg intact), this book is basically a compendium of small facts that will be of little use to students researching reptiles. Browsers may enjoy the minutiae concerning tortoise-shell ridges and the independent movement of a chameleon's eyes, but this isn't a priority purchase for small collections. Activities are apppended. Ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Fast facts about physical characteristics and behavior, close-up photographs and a running glossary make up this introduction to reptiles. Part of the Kingfisher Young Knowledge series, this is a collection of strikingly illustrated infobits, pictures and details with no context. With lively design and a full page index, it has the appearance of an informational book but not the substance. The reader learns fragments: A chameleon can move each eye on its own; the jaws of alligator snapping turtles have sharp edges. Are these the only reptiles with these characteristics? What else distinguishes this species? How does the author know? There is no bibliography, and the only acknowledgements are to the pictured child models. The book concludes with instructions for four related craft activities, which could be a useful supplement to class studies, requiring art materials not usually available in the home. The toothy crocodile (or alligator?) on the cover will draw readers in, but they will have to go elsewhere for real learning. (Nonfiction. 6-10) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
