SNAKES

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)