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Book cover of Snakes
Snakes

Snakes

by Gail Gibbons
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Overview

There are about 3,000 kinds of snakes. Here is information about the different functions of these cold-blooded animals' physical characteristics. One also learns how they live, how they give birth (most lay eggs, some give birth to live babies), and how they eat (they swallow their prey whole, sometimes while it is still alive). Knowing about snakes, from the most ordinary garden variety to the most exotic constrictors and poisonous snakes, is to admire and respect these extraordinary reptiles.

Synopsis

There are about 3,000 kinds of snakes. Here is information about the different functions of these cold-blooded animals' physical characteristics. One also learns how they live, how they give birth (most lay eggs, some give birth to live babies), and how they eat (they swallow their prey whole, sometimes while it is still alive). Knowing about snakes, from the most ordinary garden variety to the most exotic constrictors and poisonous snakes, is to admire and respect these extraordinary reptiles.

Children's Literature

Welcome to the world of slithering snakes. Have you ever wondered how a snake moves, how it eats, or how it catches its prey? Renowned children's author Gail Gibbons thoroughly explores every aspect of a snake's life. The book is useful and engaging. Gibbons draws readers in from page one with her captivating writing style, as shown here: "Blades of grass sway back and forth in the meadow. Something silently and slowly slithers forward. It is a snake." The well-researched book keeps readers engaged with surprising and interesting facts. The information is well-organized into easy-to-follow two page spreads. Each section has a title that is clear and informative and guides the reader into building an understanding from the facts presented. This informative and well-written book is enhanced with Gibbon's signature illustrations that are simple, yet colorful and detailed enough to be educational to the young reader. Reviewer: L. A. Gallaway

About the Author, Gail Gibbons

Gail Gibbons is a master of nonfiction. The Washington Post stated that she has "taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children's writer-illustrator."

Reviews

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Editorials

Children's Literature - L. A. Gallaway

Welcome to the world of slithering snakes. Have you ever wondered how a snake moves, how it eats, or how it catches its prey? Renowned children's author Gail Gibbons thoroughly explores every aspect of a snake's life. The book is useful and engaging. Gibbons draws readers in from page one with her captivating writing style, as shown here: "Blades of grass sway back and forth in the meadow. Something silently and slowly slithers forward. It is a snake." The well-researched book keeps readers engaged with surprising and interesting facts. The information is well-organized into easy-to-follow two page spreads. Each section has a title that is clear and informative and guides the reader into building an understanding from the facts presented. This informative and well-written book is enhanced with Gibbon's signature illustrations that are simple, yet colorful and detailed enough to be educational to the young reader. Reviewer: L. A. Gallaway

School Library Journal

K-Gr 4- This addition to Gibbons's long list of publications is typical, with a slightly oversize format; sketchbook-style illustrations; and a simple, readable text. It covers such topics as physical characteristics, locomotion, hunting techniques, and eating habits. Mating, while mentioned, is not depicted, nor is the actual birth of viviparous species. Strangely, while the animals are described as "cold-blooded" on the jacket flap, it is not mentioned in the text, though readers are told that "Snakes can regulate their body temperatures by moving to warmer or cooler areas." The illustrations depict a colorful array of creatures against their bright-hued grass, desert, and water habitats. Additional factoids are appended. Not as simple as the easy-reader style of Jennifer Dussling's Slinky, Scaly Snakes (DK, 1998) or Sarah L. Thomson's Amazing Snakes! (HarperCollins, 2006), or as demanding as Laurence Pringle's elegant Snakes! (Boyds Mills, 2004) or Dorothy Hinshaw Patent's handsome Slinky, Scaly, Slithery Snakes (Walker, 2000), Gibbons's offering will be enjoyed by young researchers and budding herpetologists.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Kirkus Reviews

Typical Gibbons-straightforward, poorly organized, with lots of information and lots and lots of basic watercolor illustrations. Schools must buy these by the boatload for their relative accessibility and adherence to curricula; there are no other compelling reasons, as better books abound. Gibbons is strong on facts, less so on explanation. We learn that throughout history people have believed snakes have special powers, but we don't learn why. We learn that snakes have a role in the balance of nature, but we don't learn what that role is. The best pages explain how snakes move and show what the skeleton of a snake looks like; the worst show different breeds of snakes that look like rubber toys. Strictly for fans. (Nonfiction. 4-8)

Book Details

Published
July 1, 2010
Publisher
Holiday House, Inc.
Pages
32
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780823423002

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