AMAZING SNAKES!

Here’s a way for emergent readers to get closer to snakes—much, much closer. Thomson presents an array of general but well-chosen basic facts that highlight her reptilian topic’s common physical features and diverse behaviors, while clearly conveying the message that snakes play an important role in nature. Children are more likely to pore over the big color photos, however—most of which were shot within inches of a scaly body or staring ophidian face. With the exception of a rattler, the snakes here are not specifically identified, nor are there leads to further details for budding herpetologists to discover. Still, this easy reader provides an engrossing introduction to a perennially fascinating subject. (Nonfiction. 6-8)