The Really Horrible Horned Toad: And Other Cold, Clammy Creatures

Presents a selection of clammy animals, including toads, frogs, snails, earthworms, caterpillars, snakes, and salamanders

Grade 2-4?Dozens of small varmints are featured in these broad introductions. In a format similar to the "Eyewitness" series, double-page sections briefly address such topics as defense mechanisms, special characteristics, etc. About a half-dozen sharp color photographs of representative species are presented per spread, accompanied by short blocks of text. Some sentences curve around illustrations instead of appearing in blocks, an eye-catching, but often difficult-to-read arrangement. Horrible focuses on cold-blooded, generally slimy creatures; while Wicked concerns venomous or blood-sucking invertebrates. The combination of clear color enlargements with bits of large-print text is attractive. While the material presented is clearly written, it is sometimes oversimplified. Often, scientific terms are employed, but not defined in the text, such as "chrysalis," "antennae," "palps," "tentacles," "proboscis," etc. Other important terms are omitted. For instance, both titles describe some behaviors of various caterpillars, but the term "larvae" is not mentioned. The lack of a glossary is a real handicap. Another omission?the actual size of most animals shown is not given. Ginny Johnston and Judy Cutchins's Slippery Babies (Morrow, 1991) and D. M. Souza's What Bit Me? (Carolrhoda, 1991) provide more detailed information on the characteristics of some of these animals.?Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
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