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(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Rebecca Ashdown.
Each night of Hanukkah, our pet-desiring narrator receives a gift that makes little sense on its own: "a hard metal lamp," "a squeezy-squirty spray bottle." It all adds up to a (living) surprise, while the family members' gifts to Grandma add up to another surprise that gives the former its name. Increasingly creative latke varieties each night add some eight-nights-is-a-lot humor. Pastel-toned illustrations create a sense of happy family celebration.
Reviewer: Shoshana Flax
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2019
40 pp.
| Tilbury
| December, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-88448-649-7$17.95
(3)
4-6
How Nature Works series.
The Galápagos Islands are home to marine iguanas that, like no other iguana species, swim and feed in the ocean. Collard's story of how this came to be is an explanation of island biogeology, evolution, and natural selection in the locale that inspired Darwin. Crisp, detailed photographs of the animals, along with sidebars that provide deeper explanations of evolutionary biology, are included. Reading list. Glos.
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Jenn Harney.
Hazy (Hazy Bloom and the Tomorrow Power) is starting to get a handle on her future-foreseeing power when those visions land her in charge of the third-grade FUNdraising Challenge. Hazy hopes coordinating a successful school Pet Day will prove she's ready for her own pet. Readers will connect with Hazy's desire for a pet--and her knack for getting sidetracked--in this amusing chapter-book fantasy.
(4)
K-3
Amazing Animals series.
Vivid photographs providing up-close views of the daily lives and habits of iguanas are the highlight of this slim volume. Minimal text touches on habitat, appearance, food, and offspring, and supplies a folk-story answer to a question about the creature: "Why do iguanas live in trees? People in North America told a story about this..." Reading list, websites. Ind.
(4)
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.
208 pp.
| Dial
| January, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3986-4$12.99
(3)
4-6
Danny Dragonbreath has always struggled to breathe fire, but when he wakes up with a mysterious chill, the problem is worse: "I usually get smoke when I try! Now all I get is frost!" Danny and friends consult Danny's great-grandad, and a quest for a cure ensues. Fans will appreciate how Danny's powers deepen in this eleventh silly adventure; generous green-tinged cartoons enliven the narrative.
(4)
4-6
Living Wild series.
The eight major varieties of iguana from around the world are examined through informative text and remarkable close-up photographs. Appearance, habitat, diet, behavior, conservation efforts, and presence in human culture are all addressed in detail, while sidebars provide additional information. Although lengthy chapters and the absence of a table of contents make quick reference difficult, thorough indexing helps mitigate this drawback. Bib., glos., ind.
(4)
K-3
Whose Little Baby Are You? series.
Descriptions of the habitat and physical appearance of an unnamed baby reptile and a question--"Who does this little baby belong to?"--begin this book about iguanas. Straightforward text explains family, diet, and growth, while large, close-up photos (all clearly labeled but some with odd graphics added) lend immediacy. "Fact File" and habitat map appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.
(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 978-1-60753-487-7$19.95
|
EbookISBN 978-1-60753-700-7
(4)
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.
(4)
YA
Unsure of what to study in college, Clarice hopes to figure things out when she spends the summer before senior year of high school volunteering at the Blue Iguana Recovery Program on Grand Cayman Island. Clarice's single-minded (pathological) focus on animal rights makes her a one-note character (and not very likable), but the unusual setting and subject matter may appeal to some readers.
203 pp.
| Dial
| January, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3846-1$12.99
(3)
4-6
Iguana Wendell's nightmares are disrupting his sleep, so his friends enlist the help of Danny Dragonbreath's great-grandfather to explore inside Wendell's mind. They discover a Dream Wasp wreaking havoc, and the only solution is a Japanese dream-eater. Goofy humor and mild adventure pair perfectly with black, white, and green-tinged comic-style illustrations in an installment that's best for devoted fans.
24 pp.
| ABDO
| September, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-440-0$17.95
(4)
4-6
Checkerboard Animal Library: Unique Pets series.
These books offer general information on the natural habitats, appearance, and behaviors of out-of-the-ordinary animals that can be kept as pets, as well as the care they need when domesticated. The series suffers from a dull, repetitive design, though the information is straightforward and accessible, and compelling photographs will appeal to young exotic-animal enthusiasts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Animal Library titles: Chameleons, Iguanas, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, and Potbellied Pigs.
197 pp.
| Dial
| March, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3677-1$12.99
(3)
4-6
Danny Dragonbreath heads to Camp Jackalope, and when the namesake creatures are being kidnapped, it's Danny and crew to the rescue. Next up, Danny's mom is snatched by totally not-sweet fairies, so Danny, iguana Wendell, and lizard Christiana board a bus to the Faerie realm. These sixth and seventh installments deliver the cartoon panels and wacky fare series fans will expect. Review covers these titles: Dragonbreath: Revenge of the Horned Bunnies and Dragonbreath: When Fairies Go Bad.
202 pp.
| Dial
| September, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3678-8$12.99
(3)
4-6
Danny Dragonbreath heads to Camp Jackalope, and when the namesake creatures are being kidnapped, it's Danny and crew to the rescue. Next up, Danny's mom is snatched by totally not-sweet fairies, so Danny, iguana Wendell, and lizard Christiana board a bus to the Faerie realm. These sixth and seventh installments deliver the cartoon panels and wacky fare series fans will expect. Review covers these titles: Dragonbreath: Revenge of the Horned Bunnies and Dragonbreath: When Fairies Go Bad.
48 pp.
| Enslow/Elementary
| February, 2011
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-3686-4$23.93
(4)
K-3
Far-Out and Unusual Pets series.
This series touches on how to live with and care for oddball pets. The volumes are enhanced by many photographs and some humorous cartoon illustrations. The authors try hard to invigorate the texts with kid-friendly language ("A potbellied pig is a really cool pet"); it's sometimes a strain. "Far Out!" sidebars give more information. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Far-Out and Unusual Pets titles: Ferrets, Hairless Cats, Hermit Crabs, Hissing Cockroaches, Iguanas, and Potbellied Pigs.
204 pp.
| Dial
| March, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3525-5$12.99
(4)
4-6
Danny Dragonbreath (a dragon) and Wendell (an iguana) find a trapped bat. They take it to Danny's cousin, Steve, who studies bats in the Mexican jungle. When Danny is kidnapped by a giant bat monster, it's up to Wendell and Steve to rescue him. There's a lot to wade through, but the fast-paced adventure keeps fans' interest through gags and jokes galore.
201 pp.
| Dial
| August, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3527-9$12.99
(3)
4-6
Danny Dragonbreath and friends embark on a Halloween adventure, complete with haunted house and a real ghost. The story, with its many cartoon panels interspersed in the main text, has strong appeal in its welcoming format, many illustrations, and abundant humor. Fans of the previous books will find a lot of familiar action in this fifth entry.
24 pp.
| Bearport
| August, 2010
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-936087-91-4$22.61
(4)
K-3
Blink of an Eye: Superfast Animals series.
Lunis spotlights the black spiny-tailed iguana, "the fastest reptile in the world." Very brief and selective information about the creature is provided (believe it or not, these creatures can run 21.7 miles per hour) along with comparisons to other animals. Vivid photos and sidebars in the shape of stopwatches emphasize the series' focus. Reading list. Glos., ind.
204 pp.
| Dial
| September, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3469-2$12.99
(4)
4-6
In his third book, Danny Dragonbreath's best friend Wendell (an iguana) is bitten by a hotdog; he then begins transforming into a were-wiener. Vernon combines likable characters and humorously spoofed werewolf conventions to create an entertaining and mildly suspenseful (if a bit all-over-the-place) story. Cartoon panels in black, white, bright green, and occasional red add to the fun.