Snakes

by Gail Gibbons

There are about 3,000 kinds of snakes. Here is information about the different functions of these cold-blooded animals' physical characteristics. One also learns how they live, how they give birth (most lay eggs, some give birth to live babies), and how they eat (they swallow their prey whole, sometimes while it is still alive). Knowing about snakes, from the most ordinary garden variety to the most exotic constrictors and poisonous snakes, is to admire and respect these extraordinary reptiles.

Genres: Science, Animals, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, 2nd Grade

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2007

About the author

From gailgibbons.com: I was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1944. Even as a little child, I was always busy putting books together. Sometimes I would bind them with yarn to hold the pages together. I've always loved drawing and painting. I was also a very curious child. My parents tell me that I was always asking lots and lots of questions.

Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.

Reviews

[Hannah Gies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the details in this book and how thoroughly they taught about snakes!

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

32 pages. Great non-fiction book about snakes. The illustrations are colorful and detailed watercolor-stye art. i learned a lot and I think students could use this book for reports. There are lots of snakes represented. The author breaks snakes into different families and explains the differences. There is additional information at the end. Highly recommended for Grades 3-5.

[Jitendra Kotai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. It helps delve more into these mysterious species

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

With its updated content, eye-pleasing watercolor artwork, and topic, this picture book [3.5 for me!] won't stay on the classroom or library shelves for very long. After all, many youngsters are simply fascinated by snakes, which is the book's focus. Since most of the world's 4,000 varieties of snakes are harmless, the book might change the minds of some of those who fear them while intriguing with interesting facts those who already like the species. In addition to a map showing where they can be found, readers can study the parts of a snake's body, learn about their preferred foods and how they eat them as well as how snakes move. There are several labeled drawings of poisonous snakes, constrictors, and even some of the animals that hunt snakes. The final few pages highlight human threats to this species and ways that some humans are trying to help snakes. Ten thumbnail sketches and tidbits conclude this must-have title for elementary classroom libraries.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for elementary-aged young people. It gives a fine introductory education of what snakes are and how they live in the world. It mentions poisons and human-snake interactions. It also discusses what herpetologists know and study in these animals. It is a good read for anyone.

[Nolan Brendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because I love reptiles and I wanted to know what snakes are venomous or not.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

More than you wanted to know about snakes, but definitely some interesting facts, as always in Gibbons' books.

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

An informative book but doesn’t bore young readers. Big illustrations for big snakes!

[Bix · Rating 2 out of 5]

"This guide to snakes by author Gibbons contains some useful and interesting information, presented in a slightly scattershot format. The watercolor illustrations, while charming, don't include much detail. This book provides a basic introduction to various kinds of snakes, but more cohesive organization and a greater focus on basic information about this species would have made this a stronger title. Appropriate for ages 5-8."

SPL Summary: "There are about 3,000 kinds of snakes. This volume contains information about the different functions of these cold-blooded animals' physical characteristics, how they live, how they give birth, how they eat, and much more. Full color."

SLJ: "K-Gr 4- This addition to Gibbons's long list of publications is typical, with a slightly oversize format; sketchbook-style illustrations; and a simple, readable text... Strangely, while the animals are described as 'cold-blooded' on the jacket flap, it is not mentioned in the text, though readers are told that 'Snakes can regulate their body temperatures by moving to warmer or cooler areas.' Gibbons's offering will be enjoyed by young researchers and budding herpetologists."

Kirkus: "Typical Gibbons-straightforward, poorly organized, with lots of information and lots and lots of basic watercolor illustrations... Strictly for fans."

[Ch_amyM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gale Gibbons introduces young readers to the world of snakes in this informational picture book. Colorful, life-like pictures, labels, maps, and graphs all come together with the text to give the reader a look at the world of snakes. Readers will learn about several different types of snakes, where snakes live, what they eat, and how they kill their prey.
I would recommend this book for students who love reading about different animals. It would be great for a classroom library or as part of a unit on snakes.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gail Gibbons has written and illustrated literally hundreds of non-fiction books for children. Snakes is a good example. They are full of factual information and good if not great illustrations. The information is fairly good, but often the books jump around from fact to fact rather than having a clear organization. A nice resource to start learning about any topic, like snakes.

[Jennifer Borduin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed about snakes and think they are fascinating creatures, but most people don't even read about them because they are scared! This would be a fantastic, informational science book on snakes, perhaps during a reptile unit. The book does a great job describing different snakes, how they eat, how they reproduce, and why many snakes are endangered. I would definitely keep this book in my class library.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lola loves this book. She saw a snake eat a mouse at the zoo and has been fascinated ever since. I try very hard to conceal the fact that I am not a fan of the snake. They kind of give me the willies.

[Seth Lebaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ssssssssssssss-start with this book in science class when discussing snakes and the students should never have questions about snakes again. I would use this to help students write openers and grabber for information narrative in lit. And to learn about snake in science class

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son has checked this book out about 5 different times and kept it as long as he could. He loves it!

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic snake nonfiction. It's fine. Nothing exciting. Watercolors, not photos. Busy, straightforward, not creative.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My kid doesn't share my distaste for snakes so this book with drawings (instead of photos) is palatable and informative.

[Danette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some evolutionary content. Because I was reading it to Julia (2.5), I only read the main sections and not all the extra notes.

[Horace Mann Family Reading Challenge · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite snake is a Boa Constrictor.

[Paula Robinson]

I didn't like this story