Crocodiles & Alligators [Paperback]

Seymour Simon (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Crocodiles and alligators may seem ferocious and scary, but renowned science author Seymour Simon confirms that they′re also endlessly fascinating. Around since the time of dinosaurs, crocodiles and alligators eat without chewing, have three eyelids, and provide good living conditions for other animals. With the use of eighteen stunning full-colour photographs, Simon explores the wonders of these stealthy giants in an exciting up-close and personal way.

Ages 8+

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6Simons lively text presents fascinating facts and ancient lore surrounding these intriguing animals. Readers will discover that crocodiles and alligators use their powerful tails to spin their bodies around in the water in order to rip apart their prey and will marvel at how a Nile crocodile will allow a small bird to walk through its mouth picking food from its teeth. Simon touches upon the crocodilians that lived alongside the dinosaurs and evolved into the reptiles that we know today. He also points out that despite the dangers that threaten their lives and habitats, crocodilians are making a slow comeback. Report writers may be disappointed by the absence of an index or indeed of any sort of subject division. However, the book is filled with interesting information, and the vivid, well-composed, full-color photographs and entertaining text will draw in browsers.Lisa Wu Stowe, Great Neck Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 3^-6, and younger for reading aloud. Beginning with the origin of the words crocodile, alligator, and gharial, this introduction to crocodilians then discusses their habitat and relationship to dinosaurs, explains the differences between alligators and crocodiles, and supplies the basic information on life expectancy, hunting techniques, food, reproduction, endangered status, land speed, and methods of locomotion. Simon's familiar elongated format is a perfect fit for these long bodies, with each opening featuring a full-page color photograph. The narrative refers to a few of the pictures, but captions would have clarified the others. Starting with the saw-toothed snout on the cover, the striking photos will attract kids visually, and Simon's casual but clear informative approach will invite them verbally. The lack of a table of contents and index makes this book better suited for browsing than for homework assignments, but children of many ages will snap it up. Linda Perkins --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (August 7, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064438295
• ISBN-13: 978-0064438292
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 10.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #313,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Photography
  • #22 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( S ) > Simon, Seymour
  • #39 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Crafts & Music > Photography

More About the Author

Seymour Simon, whom the NY Times called "the dean of [children's science] writers," is the author of more than 250 highly acclaimed science books (many of which have been named Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children by the National Science Teachers Association). His free, educational children's app, SCIENCE FUN TO GO, debuted in the Top 10 of all free children's apps in the Amazon App store, and features in app purchase of original Seymour Simon eBooks, as well as a multitude of free content.

Seymour Simon uses his website, SeymourSimon.com, to provide free downloads of a wealth of materials for educators, homeschoolers and parents to use with his books, including 4-page Teacher Guides for all 26 of his Collins/Smithsonian photo essay books. The site provides multiple resources for kids writing book reports or wanting to explore the online Science Dictionary, and also features the Seymour Science blog highlighting current science news. Educators and families are encouraged to sign up to receive the monthly newsletter from SeymourSimon.com to stay abreast of the latest materials that Seymour Simon is introducing to enrich the reading experience.

He taught science and creative writing in elementary and secondary schools and was chair of the science department at a junior high school in the New York City public school system before leaving to become a full-time writer. "I haven't really given up teaching," he says, "and I suppose I never will, not as long as I keep writing and talking to kids around the country and the world."

Seymour Simon is also a creator and the author of a series of 3D books and a series of Glow-in-the-Dark Books for Scholastic Book Clubs, a series of leveled SEEMORE READERS for Chronicle Books, and the EINSTEIN ANDERSON, SCIENCE DETECTIVE series of fiction books. His books encourage children to enjoy the world around them through learning and discovery, and by making science fun. He has introduced tens of millions of children to a staggering array of subjects; one prominent science education specialist described Simon's books as "extraordinary examples of expository prose."

Seymour Simon has been honored with many awards for his work, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contribution to children's science literature; the New York State Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature; the Hope S. Dean Memorial Award from the Boston Public Library for his contribution to children's science literature; The Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Award for Non-fiction; the Jeremiah Ludington Award for his outstanding contribution to children's nonfiction; the Empire State Award for excellence in literature for young people; and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Forum on Children's Science Books.

In a recent interview Simon was asked if he ever thinks of retiring. "I seem to be working faster and harder than ever. I absolutely don't feel any urge to sit back and look at what I've done. The only things that I'm thinking about are things I'd like to do in the future. I'm planning and doing and continuing to write. It's what I love to do. I remember a story about an anthropologist going to talk to a tribe and he asked them what was their word for "work." Their response was they have no word for work. Everybody does the things that they do in their life. I love that response. I don't differentiate between work and play. Everything I do is something that I enjoy doing - the writing, the research and everything else."

Seymour Simon writes and photographs nature from his hilltop home in Columbia County in upstate New York. You can follow his daily nature walks and see his photographs from the field on Twitter (@seymoursimon) or on his Facebook group page. He also regularly hosts Q&As and sponsors book giveaways on GoodReads.