This book is so cool. The photos are great, the material is just intricate enough to keep kids engaged and challenged, but not so complex it loses them. Each section contains a main description of the topic, e.g. "Vipers," then multiple mini descriptions of supporting details in smaller sections across a 2-page span. These include facts like scales, colors, defense mechanisms, and even mythology. There's something to fascinate any kid (or, at least the kids without snake phobias...I did find that having the book around in a public space really bothered some people because the pictures are incredibly lifelike.)

It pained me to return this book to the library. This is definitely a wish-list book. I got kids who'd I'd never seen sit still before to actually focus! I think it's a great means for teaching main topic and supporting details, too.

I'd probably put this around an average 4th grade reading level, but with some available support, it was great with 3rd graders, even a few 1st and 2nd grade. If nothing else, the pictures are great and really pull the kids in. ( )

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