From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-- An attractive, well-written easy reader. Demuth looks at how several types of snakes live, what they eat, and how they protect themselves. Comparisons are made between small and large varieties, and between snakes and familiar objects in order to describe their size and weight. Some facts are merely mentioned with little or no follow-up, e.g., How is the snake's venom used for medicine? How does a cobra know to raise its head and look around in response to a snake charmer? Moffatt's cut-paper illustrations are interesting, colorful, and well designed. While not as naturalistic as photographs or some representational art, the collage technique has the advantage of appearing three dimensional and does a fine job of conveying movement and texture. Alexandra Parsons's Amazing Snakes (McKay, 1990) offers similar coverage, and its full-color photographs effectively enhance its informational value. Make a place for Snakes in primary-level nonfiction collections. --Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, IACopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
The dramatic cover photo of an orangey-gold boa snaking from a black background will insure that this doesn't sit long on the shelf. Inside, riveting full-page color photos on every spread and the clearly written (if rather difficult) text on life cycle, anatomy, reproduction, classification, movement, diet, and poisonous snakes will also draw an appreciative audience. Another winner from the prolific, reliable Simon. (Nonfiction. 10-12) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


"Snakes are at their most beguiling in this beautifully photographed, well-organized introduction."


"Snakes are at their most beguiling in this beautifully photographed, well-organized introduction."

Book Description
What animal can smell with its tongue, swallow an animal larger than its own head, and grow to be longer than a school bus? A snake! Pound for pound, snakes are among the strongest of animals. Most people fear snakes, but there are only a few that are dangerous to humans. And if snakes were to disappear, the earth would be overrun with rats and rodents. We all must learn to appreciate these awesome reptiles as a vital part of the global balance of nature.

Card catalog description
Describes, in text and photographs, the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of various species of snakes.

About the Author
Seymour Simon is the author of over one hundred science books for children. His many award-winning books include Icebergs and Glaciers, a New York Academy of Sciences Children's Book Award winner, as well as Storms, Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Mountains, and many books about the solar system. Mr. Simon is the recipient of the Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Award for Nonfiction for the body of his work. He lives in Great Neck, New York.

ANNOTATION

Describes, in text and photographs, the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of various species of snakes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

What animal can smell with its tongue, swallow an animal larger than its own head, and grow to be longer than a school bus? A snake! Pound for pound, snakes are among the strongest of animals. Most people fear snakes, but there are only a few that are dangerous to humans. And if snakes were to disappear, the earth would be overrun with rats and rodents. We all must learn to appreciate these awesome reptiles as a vital part of the global balance of nature.

Author Biography: Seymour Simon was born in New York City. He received his B.A. degree from City College, New York, and did graduate work there. Mr. Simon is the author of many highly acclaimed science books for young readers. He is a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Commendation from the National Forum on Children's Science Books and the Eva L. Gordon Award from the Nature Society for his contribution to children's science literature. His many award-winning books include How to be a Space Scientist in your own home and photographic books on space: Galaxies, Jupiter, Saturn, The Sun, Stars, Mars, and Uranus. More than sixty of his books have been selected as Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children by the National Science Teachers Association. Some of his most recent books for HarperCollins are Snakes, Big Cats, Whales, and Wolves.Mr. Simon lives in Great Neck, New York.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Beverly Kobrin