Mysteries of the Komodo Dragon: The Biggest, Deadliest Lizard Gives Up Its Secrets - Hardcover

Crump, Marty

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1590787579 ISBN 13: 9781590787571

Publisher: Astra Young Readers, 2010

Synopsis

Scientists discover the secrets of the Komodo dragon. This strange creature inspired myth and legend, luring brave souls into the forests of Indonesia to see if the tales were true. In the end, it attracted scientists, who unraveled the mysteries of how such a remarkable creature could exist, how it uses the deadly germs in its saliva to its advantage, and how those microbes may lead to cures for stubborn diseases. Wildlife biologist and children's writer Marty Crump describes how her friends, colleagues and other scientists tracked, studied, and escaped the Komodo dragon. Her dramatic text, complemented by photographs from key scientists, tells the true story of the world's deadliest lizard.

A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to the Komodo Survival Program.

About this title

About the Author

Marty Crump, PHD, is adjunct professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Arizona University. She has written several books for adults. Her writing for children has appeared in Highlights for Children magazine.

Reviews

Gr 4-7–There's nothing like a toothy, bulky, 10-foot-long lizard with deadly saliva to arouse readers' interest. While Crump's lively text does not supply a stage-by-stage description of the animal's life cycle and physiology, it does give enough data to satisfy many readers and researchers. More importantly, it follows a long-term research project into the chemical makeup of “dragon drool” and the possible practical applications of the chemicals in this deadly substance to human pharmacology. Clear, color photos depict dragons from hatchlings to adults, scientists hiding in blinds and weighing catches, and zookeepers cuddling dragons with “gentle” dispositions. Conservation efforts underway to protect this rare and threatened species are included. A range of topics appears in the addenda, including the dragon's life cycle, the use of its forked tongue as an environment “tester,” dragon conservation status, and survival programs. A surefire selection in terms of appeal and information.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NYα(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Dropping the names of numerous researchers into her narrative, Crump presents a lively and well-informed portrait of the world’s “biggest, deadliest lizard.” Noting that Komodo dragons are dangerous—particularly because their “deadly dragon drool” is infested with toxic bacteria—but that just like us, some are more sociable than others, she explains in a coherent, systematic way how scientists study them close-up to learn about their life cycles, typical behavior, eating habits, and environment, then closes with summary facts and information about the Komodo Survival Program. Along with useful range maps, the big, well-chosen color illustrations include photographs of the Indonesian landscape and scenes of the reptiles hatching, wrestling for mates, eyeing prey (which includes young dragons), and hanging out with humans. There’s no lack of current books on the topic, but the twin focus on the creatures themselves and on the people who study them makes this a standout, and readers with a serious yen to know more will find the unusually large bibliography of (mostly) adult resources just the ticket. Grades 3-5. --John Peters

Edition details

• Publisher: Astra Young Readers
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1590787579
• ISBN 13: 9781590787571
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40