Discovering Snakes and Lizards

School Library Journal

ea. vol: diags. photogs. bibliog. glossary. index. (Discovering Nature Bks.). CIP. Bookwright Pr, dist. by Watts. Mar. 1986. PLB $10.40. Gr 4-6 Concise texts in bold, easy-to-read print are matched with excellent color photographs on almost every page of these four titles. Each book gives a brief overview of its subject, which includes information on the general physical characteristics of the animals or insects; the type of climates in which they are found; reproductive processes; food supplies; feeding habits; natural enemies; and behavioral characteristics . The information is accurate; however, the use of common names of species instead of scientific ones and the lack of consistent identification of the orders to which they belong will mar the books' usefulness. As all titles deal with popular subjects, it is not surprising that similar material has already been published. Discovering Worms has less in-depth material than Patent's World of Worms (Holiday, 1978), but it is aimed at a younger audience and has a more attractive format. Discovering Bees and Wasps introduces more varieties of insects than McClung's Bees, Wasps & Hornets and How They Live (Morrow, 1971; o.p.). Discovering Spiders offers a few more photos of different species than Dallinger's Spiders (Lerner, 1981) but does not include as much information on web building. Nevertheless, libraries needing additional titles will find this series to be better than average. Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library