Reptiles

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-These clearly written introductions skillfully employ the question-and-answer format. Each two-page section has three entries, loosely organized by subject. The questions are both general and specific, and are answered in succinct paragraphs. The short blocks of text briefly describe major physical and behavioral characteristics, defense mechanisms, care and development of young, endangered species and conservation efforts, and more. Reptiles describes and depicts the saltwater crocodile, desert tortoise, chuckwalla, sea snake, etc. (Note: the paragraph about Komodo dragons states that "they measure about 1.9 ft. (3m) long"; the correct figure is about 9 feet.) Birds discusses and illustrates the hummingbird, lorikeet, kiwi, weaverbird, and more. In each title, an eclectic assortment of illustrations surrounds the text; some sections include half-page spreads of realistic, full-color paintings of animals in their natural habitats, while others offer small portraits set against a white background. Cartoon drawings highlight two features in bold type-"That's amazing!," which offers miscellaneous facts, and "Now I know-," a review of the main points covered. Most sections also contain a snapshot-sized, full-color photo of one or more of the featured creatures. With their colorful formats and accessible texts, these books complement more detailed introductions, such as Robert Snedden's What Is a Reptile? (Sierra Club, 1995) and Sandra Markle's Outside and Inside Birds (Macmillan, 1994).-Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.