Loco for Lizards (Paperback)

~ Jim Cherry (Author) "Scientists call lizards Sauria and pair them with snakes in the order Squamata..." (more)
Key Phrases: horned lizards, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Larry Lindahl, Melissa Kaplan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-A delightful homage to a member of the reptile family. Cherry covers the basics on these creatures: what they are, what they do, and how they live, as well as the myths and folklore surrounding them. He also looks at aspects of pop culture inspired by these animals: rock bands named after them; song lyrics devoted to them; and lizards in art, advertising, and in the movies. The author's conversation with a gecko is followed by a list of the "Top Ten Things Humans Can Learn from Lizards." He also includes a few words from a veterinarian, a herpetologist, and a self-taught expert on the creature. Teenagers will love this tongue-in-cheek, entertaining book that provides a wealth of information.-Cynde Marcengill, Horry County Memorial Library, Surfside Beach, SC

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Northland (May 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873587634
• ISBN-13: 978-0873587631
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #576,459 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and Fact Filled, April 21, 2001

By A Customer

This is a real find. Even if they have zero interest in reptiles, anyone who has curiousity and a sense of humor would enjoy this little book. The writing style is a combination of Dennis Miller's sarcasm, Bill Nye the Science Guy's mix of facts and fun, Monty Python's surrealism, and a pinch of David Sedaris's self-deprecation. A great airplane or lazy day read. I couldn't put it down. Made a great stocking stuffer gift for the readers on my list. Most amazing is this book's artful blend of solid information, interestingly presented and wacky fun. Great colorful graphics, too, including paintings by Hieronymous Bosch, Ed Mell, Maynard Dixon and others. Godzilla makes a couple appearances, as well.

Don't miss it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loco for Loco For Lizards, August 23, 2000

By	Melissa Kaplan (Northern California, USA) - See all my reviews

Okay, I'll confess up front: I'm in this book. But when author Jim Cherry first contacted me to interview me for his book, I really didn't have a clear idea what the book was going to be about, other than the fact that it wasn't going to be about the care of captive lizards nor was it to be a natural history book about wild lizards.

Well, Jim was wrong about that: the book is wild. It's wildly fun and colorful, a cornucopia of lizardly facts and artifacts, with lizards in history, lizards in movies, lizards on the walls, even lizards on CDs. Jim has put together a kaleidoscopic collection of information, art work and more in the exploration of the human relationship with lizards, both as living animals and graphic representations in a wide range of media and cultures.

As a herp keeper and educator, I read a lot of books on reptiles. Loco For Lizards was a real treat for me, a welcome and often laugh-filled break from the mundane. A must buy for those interested in lizards in whatever form, as well as a great gift for the herper on your list.

5.0 out of 5 stars Cuckoo for Loco for Lizards, October 13, 2005

By	Dominic S. Salerno "Serene Dominic: Snob's Gu... (Phoenix AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sure, most of us just turn the garden hose on the little varmits so we don't have to hear the missus screaming in the background. But when author Jim Cherry takes us down to their level, we wind up feeling solidarity with our scaley brethren. Cherry scores points early on by informing us that lizards have been here even before Strom Thurmond and he even scores an interview with one of the largest lizard luminaries ever recorded (no not Jim Morrison --and you can be sure Mr Cherry busts the, err umph "Lizard King" for not singing the praises of his icky minions in his reams of bad poetry). This book is factual but most importantly FUUUN! Beautifully illustrated by the author, it's a refreshing refresher on something most of us know nothing about.Why doesn't someone give this Jim a nature show?