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Scholastic Reader
Snakes
Adapted from the award-winning nonfiction book Nic Bishop Snakes, this Level 2 reader features Nic's trademark close-up photographs and thrilling facts!
Some snakes are more dangerous than others. Those that have venom, or poison, can kill their prey with just one bite!Now even the youngest readers can join Sibert Medal-winning photographer and biologist Nic Bishop as he takes a closer look at the world's most amazing animals! In this book, Nic introduces fun facts about snakes and their bodies, habits, and life cycle. This adaptation of the award-winning picture book has accessible Level 2 text that is perfect for beginners and eye-catching photographs that will delight naturalists of all ages. This reader includes a brief author's note, glossary, and photo index.
Some snakes are more dangerous than others. Those that have venom, or poison, can kill their prey with just one bite!Now even the youngest readers can join Sibert Medal-winning photographer and biologist Nic Bishop as he takes a closer look at the world's most amazing animals! In this book, Nic introduces fun facts about snakes and their bodies, habits, and life cycle. This adaptation of the award-winning picture book has accessible Level 2 text that is perfect for beginners and eye-catching photographs that will delight naturalists of all ages. This reader includes a brief author's note, glossary, and photo index.
36 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
October 22, 2012
Another fabulously designed package of great information and stunning photography.
October 13, 2025
Short but informative. We loved the beautiful photographs and the page at the end where the author/photographer explained how he was able to get such close shots of the more venomous snakes.
September 18, 2012
Filled with amazing photographs that show various snakes close enough for readers to see their scales and text that grabs and holds onto readers like a boa constrictor might snatch its prey, this book is another wonderful addition for the classroom science library. The author demystifies these reptiles, decribing what would happen to a human's organs if he/she could turn into a snake. By describing its scales as functioning "like the tread on your shoes" (unpaged), the author insures that readers learn about snakes in an interesting, relevant way. The book contains fascinating facts such as why and how snakes ambush their victims as well as a note that some poisonous snakes have died from a bite from their own venom. Young readers will find it hard to choose a favorite photograph from the African-egg eating snake as it swallows an egg four times its size or the one of several garter snakes huddled together during a Manitoba winter or a parrot snake, mouth wide open, seemingly coming right at readers. Back matter includes information about how Bishop captured his shots, even experiencing a snake bite first-hand. Oh, Nic Bishop, what treasures you and your books are!
May 21, 2014
I'm no snake lover by any means, and yet Nic Bishop does an excellent job of giving informative information to someone who is interested in snakes. The colors pop off the pages! i must admit that the cover of the book is so realistic looking that i did not want to touch let alone turn each page of the book. I'm glad I was able to make it through this book, though I must admit it was rather quick. Saying I have a huge fear of snakes is an understatement. The lifelike pictures provided some interesting facts about snakes. For instance, how some snakes have more than 400 ribs, or how a python can devour a deer or leopard.
Definitely would recommend this book to anyone fascinated and or interested in learning about snakes.
Definitely would recommend this book to anyone fascinated and or interested in learning about snakes.
January 8, 2015
Reading Level: Grades 1 and up. Not recommended for gerbilsssss or thosssssse ssssenssssitive to sssssslithererssssss.
Nic Bishop, one of the most terrifying authors in children's literature today, has done it again with his new book, Snakes. Prepare for sleepless, terrified nights after these horrific photographs of larger-than-life serpents (really, Nic? Did they have to be larger? Actual size is horrifying enough!). We gerbils hear a lot of kids talk about how scary R.L. Stine's books are (they are located right next to our cage) but clearly these kids have never read anything by Nic Bishop. He's the scariest there is!
Nic Bishop, one of the most terrifying authors in children's literature today, has done it again with his new book, Snakes. Prepare for sleepless, terrified nights after these horrific photographs of larger-than-life serpents (really, Nic? Did they have to be larger? Actual size is horrifying enough!). We gerbils hear a lot of kids talk about how scary R.L. Stine's books are (they are located right next to our cage) but clearly these kids have never read anything by Nic Bishop. He's the scariest there is!
March 12, 2013
Bishop does not disappoint with amazing photographs that are up close and personal! I will never get that close to a snake so I appreciated seeing the detail on snakes and learning about their amazing features.
January 5, 2021
Being a big fan of Nic Bishop's books and photos, I pre-ordered his new book Snakes (October 2012). When my daughter saw me taking it out of the box, she snatched it from me and immediately started pouring over the photos. Stunning.
INTERACTIVE READ ALOUD FOR K-5. Like other books in this series, Bishop's layout and design make the content accessible in multiple ways at multiple difficulty levels. I would recommend just showing the pictures (slowly) to students (any age) during the first experience with this book or showing the pictures and reading the captions; Bishop's trademark center fold photo is of a Mojave rattlesnake and if you look closely, you can see one of the "snake's heat-seeking pits, halfway between its mouth and its eye" (p. 31). A new feature Bishop has added is a note for each picture about the actual size of the snake (in real life) versus the size of the snake in the photo. For each two-page spread there is one sentence in bolder, larger print - this could be the text read aloud to younger students - reading these sentences from page to page is like reading a whole book - there is a flow and, for the most part, the sentences build on one page builds on the sentence on the previous page. You could also just choose particular pages to read aloud or read aloud during more than one period of time.
The content is refreshing and respectful of a young, intelligent, curious audience. Bishop doesn't shy away from using terms like "brumation" ("a long deep rest" like hibernation, p. 19), but instead explains the terms clearly and supports the content with vivid photographs. He also gets at more than what we typically know about snakes, pushing us to thinking about intriguing aspects of these snakes. For example, we may typically think of snakes as ferocious predators, but Bishop positions them as mostly shy and nervous. (This is one theme for the book.) He also includes facts that will make the reader gasp in surprise. For example, when a python devours a deer - it's "stomach balloons overnight to make room" - "its intestines, liver, and kidneys almost double in size to help digest the meal" - "even the snake's heart swells to size to supply blood to its bigger organs" (p. 35).
Bishop includes his author's note at the end. I always find his notes intriguing. This is his best one to date. In a personal tone, he reveals the difficulty in photographing snakes, what he learned about snakes as he observed and photographed them, and even has a note about how he couldn't bring himself to feed the opossum to the emerald tree boa just to take a photo. Young readers/listeners will get a feel for the intimate research and commitment an author and photographer has to engage in to create a book like this.
As a primary grade teacher, I wouldn't hesitate in sharing this book - even the picture of the African egg-eating snake "swallowing an egg four times bigger than its head" (p. 32). This is a chance to nurture fascination. Again - this would make a great read aloud for kinder-5th grade - even if you just read enough to get your students interested in picking it up for independent reading. Bishop's book could become a literacy center - for reading response or as a companion text in a science center. He has a great website that discusses his work further and is geared towards students as his audience for this site - students could explore this site and then write a response. Sections of Bishop's book could be used for close reading of informational text and also as mentor texts for students engaged in researching and writing about other animals. I've also contemplated an author study on Nic Bishop - lots of possibilities.
INTERACTIVE READ ALOUD FOR K-5. Like other books in this series, Bishop's layout and design make the content accessible in multiple ways at multiple difficulty levels. I would recommend just showing the pictures (slowly) to students (any age) during the first experience with this book or showing the pictures and reading the captions; Bishop's trademark center fold photo is of a Mojave rattlesnake and if you look closely, you can see one of the "snake's heat-seeking pits, halfway between its mouth and its eye" (p. 31). A new feature Bishop has added is a note for each picture about the actual size of the snake (in real life) versus the size of the snake in the photo. For each two-page spread there is one sentence in bolder, larger print - this could be the text read aloud to younger students - reading these sentences from page to page is like reading a whole book - there is a flow and, for the most part, the sentences build on one page builds on the sentence on the previous page. You could also just choose particular pages to read aloud or read aloud during more than one period of time.
The content is refreshing and respectful of a young, intelligent, curious audience. Bishop doesn't shy away from using terms like "brumation" ("a long deep rest" like hibernation, p. 19), but instead explains the terms clearly and supports the content with vivid photographs. He also gets at more than what we typically know about snakes, pushing us to thinking about intriguing aspects of these snakes. For example, we may typically think of snakes as ferocious predators, but Bishop positions them as mostly shy and nervous. (This is one theme for the book.) He also includes facts that will make the reader gasp in surprise. For example, when a python devours a deer - it's "stomach balloons overnight to make room" - "its intestines, liver, and kidneys almost double in size to help digest the meal" - "even the snake's heart swells to size to supply blood to its bigger organs" (p. 35).
Bishop includes his author's note at the end. I always find his notes intriguing. This is his best one to date. In a personal tone, he reveals the difficulty in photographing snakes, what he learned about snakes as he observed and photographed them, and even has a note about how he couldn't bring himself to feed the opossum to the emerald tree boa just to take a photo. Young readers/listeners will get a feel for the intimate research and commitment an author and photographer has to engage in to create a book like this.
As a primary grade teacher, I wouldn't hesitate in sharing this book - even the picture of the African egg-eating snake "swallowing an egg four times bigger than its head" (p. 32). This is a chance to nurture fascination. Again - this would make a great read aloud for kinder-5th grade - even if you just read enough to get your students interested in picking it up for independent reading. Bishop's book could become a literacy center - for reading response or as a companion text in a science center. He has a great website that discusses his work further and is geared towards students as his audience for this site - students could explore this site and then write a response. Sections of Bishop's book could be used for close reading of informational text and also as mentor texts for students engaged in researching and writing about other animals. I've also contemplated an author study on Nic Bishop - lots of possibilities.
May 6, 2018
The author gives very detailed description and facts about the snakes. He even provides a glossary for looking up key terms. The language is very easy to understand and follow. Each page includes one main fact about a snake that is found in bold text. This book is informational, so all of the content is true. While some books can be considered boring because they are reviewing facts over and over, this book makes it exciting. There is not too much information included on each page, which makes it an easy read for younger students.
The illustrations found in this book are all live action photographs. The pictures make the snakes seem like they are jumping right off the page. The photographs contain everything from showing different kinds of snakes, to how snakes eat, how they shed their skin, and where they have their habitat. This book is filled with snakes in action photos.
Review written by Alexi Juergens
The illustrations found in this book are all live action photographs. The pictures make the snakes seem like they are jumping right off the page. The photographs contain everything from showing different kinds of snakes, to how snakes eat, how they shed their skin, and where they have their habitat. This book is filled with snakes in action photos.
Review written by Alexi Juergens
November 6, 2019
Acclaimed naturalist and photographer Nic Bishop explores the scary, scaly world of snakes. The book discusses all aspects of snakes. Each page contains one main fact in bold letters with a further explanation in smaller letters. The back of the book has a glossary to explain a few important terms. The lifelike images taken by Nic Bishop himself are incredibly creepy.
I learned so much about snakes by reading this book. Some of the facts were mind-blowing! Did you know that snakes go into a brumation during the winter? This is a long, deep rest similar to a bear hibernating. Also, snakes usually only eat about 8 times a year. That’s insane. I eat like 8 times a day. Haha
I learned so much about snakes by reading this book. Some of the facts were mind-blowing! Did you know that snakes go into a brumation during the winter? This is a long, deep rest similar to a bear hibernating. Also, snakes usually only eat about 8 times a year. That’s insane. I eat like 8 times a day. Haha
November 7, 2019
What an awesome book for snake/reptile lovers! This was written at a very accessible level for younger or lower level readers, but even as an older enthusiast of snakes, I learned quite a bit from this book (for instance, I had no idea that there were snakes that has scales that overlapped like feathers, or just how many ribs some species of snakes have!). The information was very high quality, and the pictures were amazing! It was really interesting to read at the end of the book how the author managed to get most of his pictures (you wouldn't believe how difficult it is to get a picture of an egg-eating snake swallowing an egg!).
December 9, 2023
This was a good informational book about snakes to educate young kids on all things snakes. The pictures were very cool and provided lots of detail. All of the information given was very cool and was very educational about snakes. Although, I wouldn't say there was anything extraordinary about this book, it was simply an educational book that someone should read if they are interested in snakes, nothing more.
April 3, 2025
Snakes by Nic Bishop is a visually stunning and informative nonfiction book that brings the world of snakes to life. As a future teacher, I appreciate how it combines breathtaking photography with fascinating facts, making it an engaging resource for young learners. The clear, accessible text supports curiosity and scientific thinking, making it perfect for classroom discussions on reptiles and adaptations. It’s an excellent addition to any classroom library for budding zoologists!
August 13, 2020
This is incredibly well done. From the facts presented, the stunning photos, the labeling of what ratio the photos are shown at, and the back matter all about the photography journey...a must for young scientists even though it means their moms have to get up close and personal when they are terrified of snakes.
October 30, 2023
Snakes are honestly very interesting animals, they aren't like any other animals on the Earth. Honestly, before this book, I didn't know much about snakes, but after reading this book I found out cool facts about them. One of the things that I have learned was that snakes are scaly, scary, silent predators.
April 7, 2024
I thought that this was a very informational book for children to read and learn about snakes. I don't like snakes and I liked this book because it was cool to get to learn about them and see pictures of them without having to get anywhere near them! Nic Bishop did a great job with this book and I would recommend it for a great nonfiction read.
November 20, 2019
I personally like snakes, so this book really gave me more knowledge about different kinds of snakes. I know that there will be students who also want to learn about snakes, so this book will be great in an elementary classroom.
April 24, 2024
This book is a great way to teach students about the way snakes live and adapt. The photography in the book is amazing. The shots of the snakes are awesome and students can see their true colors and scales in these photos. This would be a great book to have on your nonfiction book shelf.
January 10, 2026
Great photographs and information, but I ended up rephrasing things on most pages (the most common example is switching the word "victim" for "prey".) With these minor tweaks to avoid needless fear-mongering and sensationalism, it would be a 4-5 star book.
August 5, 2018
The pictures make this book absolutely breath taking and a little bit creepy.
September 14, 2018
What I like abought this book is that it tells a lot about snakes and different types
December 9, 2018
fun and engaging informational. the photos were great and I would keep this book in my classroom for students who enjoy or are curious about snakes
October 16, 2019
Nic does a great job in all of his books with making it easy to understand the facts and pictures in his books. This one is all about snakes.
July 7, 2021
Linc read this happily to me. He loved all the snake facts!
October 11, 2021
"I learned there was a snake that looked like leaves."
December 2, 2021
Gorgeously illustrated with photographics and factually accurate. However, I *really* do wish the first line wasn't 'Snakes are scary and strange.' Snakes *can* be scary, but heck, so can humans.
July 4, 2023
One of my new favorite children’s nonfiction authors. The photographs are incredible. Neat information.
May 17, 2024
The book is short but great for kids interested in snakes, might be a bit scary for the really young but the photography is absolutely gorgeous.
November 13, 2018
Genre: Information
Published: 2012
This book has such beautiful photos! They are colorful and the information is interesting. A great read!
I would use this in my classroom to engage students who likes snakes during an animal/zoology/reptiles unit!
Published: 2012
This book has such beautiful photos! They are colorful and the information is interesting. A great read!
I would use this in my classroom to engage students who likes snakes during an animal/zoology/reptiles unit!
October 3, 2021
Animal books; New Zealand literature
Grades 3 - 5
Award Winner:
Garden State Children's Book Awards (New Jersey): Children's Nonfiction
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona): Nonfiction
School Library Journal Best Nonfiction Books: 2012
NoveList Link:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.as...
Grades 3 - 5
Award Winner:
Garden State Children's Book Awards (New Jersey): Children's Nonfiction
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona): Nonfiction
School Library Journal Best Nonfiction Books: 2012
NoveList Link:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.as...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews