From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-- Snakes are at their most beguiling in this beautifully photographed, well-organized introduction. The text succinctly describes their general physical and behavioral characteristics, and identifies the four major snake families. Fifteen species are depicted in the large, sharp, full-color photographs that appear on approximately every other page; most closeups are so finely detailed that individual scales are visible. Other titles cover similar information. Johnson's excellent Snakes (Lerner, 1986) offers more detail on anatomy, venom, and mating behavior. It also gives many scientific names, while Simon's title supplies only common ones. Arnold's Snake (Morrow, 1991), which features reptiles housed in the Los Angeles Zoo, is another good general introduction, discussing a greater number of species than this one. What distinguishes the Simon title, however, is its superb photography. Browsers will be attracted to the large portraits of the reptiles offered, particularly the photo of a king snake ingesting a rattlesnake and the shot of a yellow rat snake feeding on a rat. --Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
The dramatic cover photo of an orangey-gold boa snaking from a black background will insure that this doesn't sit long on the shelf. Inside, riveting full-page color photos on every spread and the clearly written (if rather difficult) text on life cycle, anatomy, reproduction, classification, movement, diet, and poisonous snakes will also draw an appreciative audience. Another winner from the prolific, reliable Simon. (Nonfiction. 10-12) --
Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
