Review by Booklist Review
Pringle adds to his series of Strange and Wonderful animal introductions this survey of our planet's largest living reptiles. Noting that they preceded, lived with, and survived the dinosaurs, he briefly describes their habitats and nesting behavior, and explains their common anatomical features and distinguishing characteristics (can't tell the difference between an American alligator and a crocodile? If only the top row of teeth are visible, mouth closed, it's an alligator). Henderson presents a gallery of full-body portraits of 21 crocodilian species, as well as a series of close-ups. These illustrations are drawn and colored in such clear, precise detail that young students may prefer them to the photographs in such otherwise similar titles as Phyllis Jean Perry's Crocodilians (1997) or Seymour Simon's Crocodiles and Alligators (1999). Libraries with space for just one title on the topic (a sad thought) should probably stick with Sandra Markle's Crocodiles (2004), but this is an above-average addition for those in need of more books on the subject.--Peters, John Copyright 2009 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-From the gentle care a mother alligator gives her hatchlings to their important role in food chains, crocodilians are treated with respect in this introductory look at the world's largest reptiles. Written in a conversational style without chapters or headings, the book provides brief descriptions of 21 species along with habitat information and drawn-to-scale illustrations. The text also discusses common characteristics of crocodilians, how to differentiate between a crocodile and an alligator, hunting and eating habits, and their movement on land and in the water. Information on nesting patterns, vocalizations, and the important role crocodilians had in several ancient civilizations is also included. There is one minor error: the text says that "the next six pages show 14 species," but they actually show 21. The concluding pages look at the dangers and challenges these animals face in the modern world and provide conservation suggestions, the names of related groups, and an excellent Web site. Finely detailed, realistic watercolors fill nearly every page, and labeled insets highlight facts from the text. Children will appreciate this book's thorough treatment, but the lack of an index may hamper its use for research. Pair it with a title such as Elaine Landau's Alligators and Crocodiles (Enslow, 2007) for those who prefer photographs.-Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI (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
This book accessibly presents solid scientific information, from a short introductory narrative about baby alligators hatching and cheeping ("erk, erk, erk") to extensive data about crocodilians in general. Pringle offers facts about crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials' similarities and differences in size, behavior, and habitat in an engaging, friendly manner. Henderson's detailed, realistic-looking watercolors complement the text. (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.
