A Snake's Life

Animal Diaries: Life Cycles

by Ellen Lawrence

A young child spots a kingsnake in a tree on her family's farm. She decides to keep track of it and record her observations in her diary. Readers will follow along as the narrator tracks the non-venomous snake into a wooded area and finds its eggs in a tree. Later, she reports seeing the baby kingsnakes grow and shed their skin. Colorful photos, diagrams, and clear, age-appropriate text will engage young readers as they explore the life cycle, natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, and behavior of these fascinating creatures. The diary format models scientific observation and critical thinking--and encourages children to keep notebooks recording their own investigations into the natural world.

24 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In journal form starting in April when snakes first start venturing out and concluding in December when they head for dens to avoid cold weather, a girl named Grace keeps notes about her weekends spent hunting snakes with her uncle. There are several great up-close photographs of snakes shedding their skin and one snake devouring a rat that will appeal to young readers. The text is easy to read and engaging, and there are activities about snakes at the end of the book as well as a glossary and index. This is a good introduction to the topic.