Description
Product Description
This addition to the hit Little Kids First Big Book series explores the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians, from slithering snakes and scaly lizards to bumpy frogs and spotty salamanders. Get ready to meet a variety of awesome animals, from frilled lizards to giant tortoises to goliath frogs. This reference book for the younger set answers questions that range from "What is the biggest reptile in the world?" to "How can a boa constrictor fit a deer into its mouth?" Readers explore what makes an animal a reptile or an amphibian and learn about more than 45 different creatures. Packed with more than 250 stunning color photos, the book also provides information on animal habitats, characteristics, and behavior. Filled with fun facts and designed for interactive learning, it is sure to become a favorite with budding herpetologists and their parents.
From School Library Journal
Gr 1–4—Colorful, interest-grabbing photographs and lucid text introduce young readers to a large sampling of the 10,000 species of reptiles and the 8,000 species of amphibians living on Earth. The text focuses on their defining features, behaviors, and adaptations to their environments. The varied page layouts are enticing and include clearly labeled animal photos and just enough facts to maintain interest and invite wonder. While the photos are clearly the showstopper, the text does an excellent job of providing information and introducing vocabulary so that readers learn to understand and talk about animal life. Words are introduced and then integrated into the text. For example, readers learn that reptiles are vertebrates, meaning they have a spine or backbone. Then the author explains, "You are a vertebrate, too! But you are not a reptile. You are a mammal." Among the many words introduced are ectotherms (animals that cannot produce their own heat) and herpetologists (scientists who study reptiles and amphibians). These words are clearly explained and introduced. The only questionable feature is the frequent use of questions that attempt to connect the reader's experience to an animal's behavior. For example, after readers learn about the painted turtle, they are asked, "Do you prefer to finger-paint or paint with a brush? Why?" Questions like this distract from the topic at hand. Aside from that, this is a strong, informative resource. VERDICT A fine addition to studies of animal behavior and adaptations. Also excellent as a mentor text for studying how to present information or for browsing and enjoying.—Myra Zarnowski, City Univ. of New York
About the Author
Catherine D. Hughes is the author of several books in the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series, including Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs, Little Kids First Big Book of Space, and Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean. She also has a degree in early childhood development.