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597.96

this is a tell all about snakes. Where they live and what they do, and the different types of snakes.

Snakes come in all shapes and sizes, Seymour Simon describes different types of snakes, what they eat and where they live. Each page gives facts about the 2,500 differnet kinds of snakes in the world.

Library Thing Part E Survey Book
Simon, Seymour. Snakes. New York: Smithsonian/Collins, 2007. Print.

“The purpose of a survey book is to give an overall view of a substantial topic and to furnish a representative sampling of facts, principles, or issues”(Kiefer 513). Seymour Simon’s Snakes, a Smithsonian publication fulfills the above definition for his survey book on Snakes. His book is definitely accurate and authentic information has been presented; based on his previous accomplishments. He has been the recipient of the Science Books & Films Key Award for Excellence in Science Books and several others. Smithsonian Institution has been promoting research and science since 1846 and if they are to publish work, its content and perspective is definitely fostering the spirit of inquiry. The information is presented clearly in very readable print, and concept words are in bold print with comfortable spacing between sentences. The audience intended for this title is 5yrs to 9yrs. However the 15 breathtaking close- up shots of 15 different snakes in the wild, are definitely eye catchers, for any casual passer –by; you can’t just walk by and not open this book. The front cover is black background with an orange emerald tree boa coiled and head angled just so his green eye is staring at you; almost gives a 3D feel.
There is not a table of content but instead there is the Smithsonian mission statement page, and then the snake photos begin. The text says twenty-nine hundred different kinds of snakes exist in the world and only fifty of these are really dangerous to humans. After these initial striking facts, each, of the following 14 pages, with text, provides characteristics of the various snake families. Their predators and their prey, movement, digestion, reptile characteristics, habitats and where and which families live in the United States, Australia, and India are all discussed with précis language and specific detail. The last two pages contain a short but helpful glossary and a complete index. There is also a “Read More About It” section that gives 4 websites and 2 other books are suggested as further reading. I definitely like this book and believe several copies should be available in a school library. Curriculum connection is science and language arts elementary to middle school. ( )