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4-6
Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters series.
After a somewhat lurid introduction, eight brief chapters provide overviews of the featured lizard's appearance, behavior, diet, habitat, and reproductive cycle as well as threats to its survival. High-quality stock photos accompany the accessible texts. Despite their sensationalized titles and pulp fiction–style design, the books actually address the misunderstood animals' "monstrous" reputations and advocate for their conservation. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters titles: Gila Monster and Komodo Dragon.
(4)
1-3
Animal Inn series.
Illustrated by
Stephanie Laberis.
The Tylers, (human) owners of the Animal Inn, provide pet services and boarding, offering "any habitat a guest might need." In both formulaic installments (each narrated by a different animal inhabitant), a rumor of a scary upcoming guest gets the family pets in a tizzy. Short chapters, humorous misunderstandings, and peppy narrators will appeal to new chapter-book readers. Muddily produced black-and-white illustrations are included. Review covers these Animal Inn titles: A Furry Fiasco and Treasure Hunt.
24 pp.
| Child's
| January, 2016
|
LibraryISBN 978-1634074544$18.95
(4)
4-6
On the Hunt with Animal Predators series.
These slight books present basic information about reptiles of tropical swamps and grasslands. Characteristics of each species are recounted including their habitats, social behaviors, food sources, and nurturing of offspring. The simply written narratives are interesting but may be inadequate for some report-driven readers. Large colorful photographs accompany the texts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these On the Hunt with Animal Predators titles: On the Hunt with Black Mambas, On the Hunt with Crocodiles, and On the Hunt qwith Komodo Dragons.
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K-3
Zoom In on Desert Animals series.
These basic introductions to various desert reptiles offer cursory facts about appearance, habitat, food, and life cycle. Simple (if choppy) texts for emergent readers are adequately reflected in the accompanying photos. The appended "Quick Stats" sections offer size comparisons, some with confusing visuals (e.g., the picture comparing the length of a three-foot long rattlesnake to an acoustic guitar shows the snake coiled up). Glos., ind. Review covers these Zoom In on Desert Animals titles: Chameleons, Cobras, Iguanas, Komodo Dragons, and Rattlesnakes.
(3)
K-3
First Facts: Get to Know Reptiles series.
Ten chapters cover each lizard species' physical adaptations, habitat, diet, life cycle, threats, and conservation efforts. In addition to straightforward texts, the well-designed pages include captioned photos, fact boxes, and definitions of vocabulary words printed in bold. Report writers will find these introductions thorough and accessible. Two Common Core–related questions are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Facts: Get to Know Reptiles titles: Chameleons and Komodo Dragons.
24 pp.
| Smart Apple
| March, 2015
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-62588-200-4$27.10
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K-3
Big Beasts series.
These books introduce large reptiles, covering various species' physical characteristics and adaptations, diet, behavior, and habitat. The presentation is formulaic, but plenty of colorful photographs support the accessible texts, which include kid-pleasing details: "Babies may be gobbled up by adult Komodos..." Each volume concludes with a "BIG Facts" spread providing readers with comparisons and additional information. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Big Beasts titles: Komodo Dragon and Snake.
(4)
K-3
Reptiles series.
These books for beginning readers introduce four different reptiles. The simple texts (briefly) discuss habitat, habits, physical features, and life cycles. The large, colorful photographs are eye-catching, which makes it unfortunate when parts of the pictures are lost in the gutters. These are adequate first science books. Glos., ind. Review includes these Reptiles titles: Alligators, Iguanas, Komodo Dragons, and Turtles.
32 pp.
| Amicus High Interest
| September, 2014
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-60753-488-4$19.95
|
EbookISBN 978-1-60753-701-4
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K-3
Lizards series.
Each title in this high-interest series introduces a different reptile in short chapters with eye-catching color photos and age-appropriate vocabulary. Engaging--if not always scientific ("Geckos have super powers")--text details each animal's physical features, diet, geographical location, and reproductive behavior, as well as endangered status and conservation efforts. A sporadic question-and-answer feature adds information. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Lizards titles: Bearded Dragons, Chameleons, Geckos, Gila Monsters, Green Iguanas, and Komodo Dragons.
(3)
1-3
Boris series.
In this new series, readers meet Boris, a warthog kid with big dreams. In Move, a boring family trip to the park turns into a wild adventure; in Lizard, Boris tries (unsuccessfully) to add a Komodo dragon to his ever-growing pet menagerie. New readers will respond positively to brightly saturated illustrations and easily digestible text. Instructions for related projects are included. Review covers these titles: Boris Gets a Lizard and Boris on the Move.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| January, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-555-1$19.95
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K-3
Asian Animals series.
Despite a slightly reductive presentation of Asia as a region, this volume offers a wealth of information about komodo dragons, including their physical aspects, hunting abilities, and life cycle. The photos are plentiful and engaging, however a few graphic pictures of the reptiles feeding on carcasses may bother more sensitive readers. The choppy text is easy to read. Glos., ind.
(4)
K-3
Looking Glass Library: I Wish I Were... series.
Illustrated by
Gabhor Utomo.
Subdued illustrations show a village-dwelling boy imagining life as a komodo dragon. Although he thinks of lots of up-sides, he realizes he'd miss his friends and his vegetarian diet. The text is in rhyme, which makes the incorporation of facts a stretch. The huge reptile's tongue is erroneously shown as pink rather than yellow. Glos.
40 pp.
| Boyds
| October, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-1-59078-757-1$18.95
(3)
4-6
Crump's work in herpetology gives her access to unique and stunning photographs of the title creatures. Readers can peruse the photos, with helpful captions, and learn fascinating facts. The text is also intriguing (though perhaps difficult for some readers to navigate without a table of contents). Further information about life cycle and endangerment plus "Indonesia: Facts in Brief" are appended. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.