Outside and Inside Snakes

ISBN 10: 0613085051 ISBN 13: 9780613085052

Publisher: Bt Bound

Synopsis

A fascinating, instructive, and colorful photographic essay explores the world of snakes, showing their unique anatomy and activities and offering an informative introduction to their life cycle.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6?A remarkably perceptive introduction to the ever-fascinating slitherer. The text succinctly describes the physical characteristics common to all species, anatomy, hunting and feeding techniques, use of venom, skin shedding, locomotion, camouflage, senses, and birth of young. Most useful are the clear explanations of how the snake's form and structure affect its daily activities. Simple comparisons between human and snake anatomical features help elucidate the discussion. This title offers more detail on bodily functions than is currently available in other books. For instance, it describes how a snake breathes, digests food, and eliminates wastes. One or two sharp, full-color photographs serve as extensions of the text on almost every page. They include shots of some of the internal organs of a dissected snake and some brilliantly composed pictures of various snakes in the act of swallowing small animals (they give every appearance of enjoying their food). Eighteen species are depicted. There are some minor omissions. While the text describes a snake's body temperature and its need to soak up heat from the ground or air, it does not employ the term "ectothermic," or even "cold-blooded." Although hibernation is discussed, the term itself is not mentioned. Reproduction is outlined, but the text does not explain how snakes actually mate. Joanna Cole's A Snake's Body (Morrow, 1981) covers many of the same topics (a diagram shows all the major internal organs); however, the information is not as detailed as the Markle title and is illustrated with black-and-white photos. With its strong emphasis on anatomy and outstanding photography, Outside and Inside Snakes is a fine offering.?Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3^-6. Another in Markle's excellent Outside and Inside series, this volume presents the ever-popular subject of snakes. The accessible text is precise, detailed, and enthusiastic as it describes snakes' bodies and behaviors in terms that children will understand. Exceptional full-color photographs show snakes hiding, hunting, eating, fighting, moving, hatching from their eggs, and shedding their skin. Photos of snake skeletons and innards show the interior structures of the animals. The last page includes questions for children to consider and activities that teachers might use to extend the book. Presenting intriguing information in an appealing way, this book belongs in many libraries. Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: Bt Bound
• ISBN 10: 0613085051
• ISBN 13: 9780613085052
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English