cover image Snakes Are Hunters

Snakes Are Hunters

Patricia Lauber. T.Y. Crowell Junior Books, $13.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-690-04628-1

Snakes are the focus of this Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science Book, a short, informative and well-paced introduction to the natural history and habits of these reptiles. The basic facts about snakes are clearly presented: they have no legs, they have scales and ""spectacles'' instead of eyelids. And snakes are hunters; in the wild, all snakes stalk, capture and eat other animals. Lauber, an award-winning science writer for children, also explores aspects of cold-bloodedness, hibernation, reproduction and growth. Keller's lively full-color illustrations complement the well-organized text, although some drawingsin which the snakes smileare a bit too cartoony. Ages 4-8. (February)