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Scholastic Reader
Lizards
Another fascinating close-up look at the wonders of the natural world from Sibert Honor photographer Nic Bishop.
With breathtaking full-page images, including a double-gatefold spread, Sibert-Honor photographer Nic Bishop introduces the beauty and diversity of lizards.The simple, engaging text presents both basic information and fun, quirky facts about the appearance, habits, and life cycle of these amazing reptiles. An index and glossary are included.
With breathtaking full-page images, including a double-gatefold spread, Sibert-Honor photographer Nic Bishop introduces the beauty and diversity of lizards.The simple, engaging text presents both basic information and fun, quirky facts about the appearance, habits, and life cycle of these amazing reptiles. An index and glossary are included.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2010
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187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 27, 2024
All together a great introduction to lizards with wonderful photos. I only wish we had been able to see more of the lizards.
April 13, 2011
I've gone on record several times to say how much I love Nic Bishop's books. I want to learn about any type of animal he wants to study and photograph! This time he chose lizards. This has everything I love and expect from Nic Bishop - fascinating facts about the chosen type of animal accompanied by simply amazing photographs. As before, I particularly loved his note at the end telling the lengths he went to for some of the most difficult photographs. He even built a pond inside his house in order to photograph a basilisk lizard running on water.
And, as always, I want to share some facts I found particularly fascinating while reading this book:
* Some lizards do not have legs. They might look like snakes, but they can blink and they have ear holes. Snakes do not have eyelids or ears that you can see.
* There are about 5,000 types of lizards! The largest, the Komodo dragon, is big enough to kill a water buffalo. The Komodo dragon is also the world's largest venomous animal. The smallest lizard, a dwarf gecko, could curl up on your thumbnail.
* The amount of food a mammal needs in one day can last a lizard for two weeks.
* The thorny devil from Australia drinks water by rubbing its belly on damp sand. Tiny channels in its skin pull water from the ground to its mouth.
* Some lizards, such as the sandfish, swim beneath the sand of the desert just like a fish swims in water. Their super senses allow them to detect vibrations of spiders and insects on the surface of the sand. The lizard then strikes from below.
And, as always, I want to share some facts I found particularly fascinating while reading this book:
* Some lizards do not have legs. They might look like snakes, but they can blink and they have ear holes. Snakes do not have eyelids or ears that you can see.
* There are about 5,000 types of lizards! The largest, the Komodo dragon, is big enough to kill a water buffalo. The Komodo dragon is also the world's largest venomous animal. The smallest lizard, a dwarf gecko, could curl up on your thumbnail.
* The amount of food a mammal needs in one day can last a lizard for two weeks.
* The thorny devil from Australia drinks water by rubbing its belly on damp sand. Tiny channels in its skin pull water from the ground to its mouth.
* Some lizards, such as the sandfish, swim beneath the sand of the desert just like a fish swims in water. Their super senses allow them to detect vibrations of spiders and insects on the surface of the sand. The lizard then strikes from below.
November 30, 2011
1. Classification: Informational junior book
2. Summary: This book was amazing! Nic Bishop's vivid photographs of lizards and facts will amaze you. I chose this book because lizards freak me out and I was hoping if I learned more I would change my opinion. The largets lizard can grow up to 10 feet. Yikes! I don't think i've changed my mind.
3. Critique:
a.) The most amazing thing about this book would have to be the photographs that Nic Bishop took.
b.) Every photograph is so colorful and vivid it feels like the lizard is jumping off the page!My favorite picture is on page 45. The chameleon is stunning with all of its colors- bright orange, greens and yellows. All of Bishop's photographs make you feel like you could reach out and touch the lizard's skin.
c.) The factual information in this book is also intriguing. I learned so much about lizards from reading this book. For example, the Komodo dragon is the largets lizard growing in size of 10 feet with 2 inch teeth. It's also the world's larget poisoness animal! (page 43). I was amazed by the number of facts on lizards in this book.
4. Curriculum Connection: I would use this book in grades 3-6 and incorporate it into a science lesson on animals. I would discuss how lizards are cold-blooded animals, where they live, what they eat, etc. The students could do some sort of research project or art project. Since lizards are so bright and colorful the students could make a lizard out of colored tissue paper and watered down glue. The students could even do a sand art picture.
2. Summary: This book was amazing! Nic Bishop's vivid photographs of lizards and facts will amaze you. I chose this book because lizards freak me out and I was hoping if I learned more I would change my opinion. The largets lizard can grow up to 10 feet. Yikes! I don't think i've changed my mind.
3. Critique:
a.) The most amazing thing about this book would have to be the photographs that Nic Bishop took.
b.) Every photograph is so colorful and vivid it feels like the lizard is jumping off the page!My favorite picture is on page 45. The chameleon is stunning with all of its colors- bright orange, greens and yellows. All of Bishop's photographs make you feel like you could reach out and touch the lizard's skin.
c.) The factual information in this book is also intriguing. I learned so much about lizards from reading this book. For example, the Komodo dragon is the largets lizard growing in size of 10 feet with 2 inch teeth. It's also the world's larget poisoness animal! (page 43). I was amazed by the number of facts on lizards in this book.
4. Curriculum Connection: I would use this book in grades 3-6 and incorporate it into a science lesson on animals. I would discuss how lizards are cold-blooded animals, where they live, what they eat, etc. The students could do some sort of research project or art project. Since lizards are so bright and colorful the students could make a lizard out of colored tissue paper and watered down glue. The students could even do a sand art picture.
February 2, 2013
Nic Bishop fascinates me. I particularly enjoy learning about his experiences shooting the photos of his subjects.
I learned some interesting information about the many lizards featured here and look forward to sharing this book with my students.
I learned some interesting information about the many lizards featured here and look forward to sharing this book with my students.
November 17, 2017
Another great book for children who are curious to learn about several animals and how they look. This book includes amazing pictures for children to see and imagine how a lizard looks with some examples of lizards and how they live in their habitat. This books presents basic information about this reptile with facts about the life cycle, appearance, and more cool facts. This is a great way for children to start digging into books that provide more information about any subject and interests.
November 6, 2019
This book contains fantastic full page images of lizards of all sorts. This book could interest anyone in lizards! The text is extremely descriptive and depicts lizards in the forest and desert. Teachers could read from this book during science or read aloud time, or fluent readers can read and share with the class information they found out about lizards. This is perfect for any students with interests in reptiles.
November 16, 2020
Wonderful photographs of lizards with tons of great information.
This is a great text for 3rd through 6th grade classroom library. It can also be used as a mentor text for 4th through 6th grades when writing informational texts. There are lots of mathematical and size statements in the text (ex. photograph is 2 times the actual size, etc.) so it could easily be incorporated into a math lesson with measurement or comparison of size. Could also be used in a science lesson about lizards.
This is a great text for 3rd through 6th grade classroom library. It can also be used as a mentor text for 4th through 6th grades when writing informational texts. There are lots of mathematical and size statements in the text (ex. photograph is 2 times the actual size, etc.) so it could easily be incorporated into a math lesson with measurement or comparison of size. Could also be used in a science lesson about lizards.
July 24, 2019
I loved the end with the story about how the photographer got the best shot in the book. A lot of children's nonfiction uses stock photography. It's nice to see authentically authored nonfiction.
October 16, 2019
Great book about lizards. Nic always has the best pictures and information in his books.
June 15, 2020
Non-Fiction
Middle Grades (4-6)
This was a fun book to read. I loved all the pictures that were included and I plan to look for more of these books and add them to my teacher's collection
Middle Grades (4-6)
This was a fun book to read. I loved all the pictures that were included and I plan to look for more of these books and add them to my teacher's collection
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December 6, 2021Reptiles, Lizards, Species, Informative
April 25, 2023
This non-fiction book is filled with beautiful photographs of lizards and interesting facts about their behavior and habitat.
July 2, 2011
Nic Bishop Lizards by Nic Bishop is another beautiful look at animals by Sibert-Honor photographer Nic Bishop. Bishop focuses here on diverse species of lizards.
Once again, Nic Bishop produces a stunning look at animals. His text engagingly presents basic information and quirky, fascinating facts about lizard appearance, habits, and life cycles. His passion for his subject is effectively transmitted, as this volume will help make thousands fascinated by lizards. The main idea of a page is highlighted in a larger, bolded, and different color font. The details about how Bishop photographed the lizards are quite interesting, as he went so far as to build a pond inside his house to capture a basalisk running across the top of water! An index and glossary are included.
As entertaining and educational as his text, Bishop's stunning photographs draw you into the lives of lizards. Photographs enlarged several times are particularly effective, as is the double-gatefold spread of the basalisk. Lizard coloring, defenses, scales, legs, tails, and tongues are particularly illustrated. The wide variety of lizards pictured include chameleons, geckos, skinks, monitors, Komodo Dragons, sand swimmers and thorny devils.
Among the many amazing facts included by Bishop:
* Lizard skin can be be as hard as armor or as soft as velvet.
* Some lizards do not lay eggs, but the mother holds them inside her body, finally giving birth.
* By using the sun's energy for warmth, lizards get by on little food.
The amount of food a mammal needs in one day can last a lizard for two weeks.
* Some lizards, such as the glass lizard, blind lizard, and worm lizard, have no legs.
This book is highly recommended for school and public library collections. The beautiful photographs and accessible text make science fun and intriguing. This is my favorite among his books which I have read.
For ages 7 and up, lizards, science, photogrpahy, animals, and fans of Nic Bishop.
Once again, Nic Bishop produces a stunning look at animals. His text engagingly presents basic information and quirky, fascinating facts about lizard appearance, habits, and life cycles. His passion for his subject is effectively transmitted, as this volume will help make thousands fascinated by lizards. The main idea of a page is highlighted in a larger, bolded, and different color font. The details about how Bishop photographed the lizards are quite interesting, as he went so far as to build a pond inside his house to capture a basalisk running across the top of water! An index and glossary are included.
As entertaining and educational as his text, Bishop's stunning photographs draw you into the lives of lizards. Photographs enlarged several times are particularly effective, as is the double-gatefold spread of the basalisk. Lizard coloring, defenses, scales, legs, tails, and tongues are particularly illustrated. The wide variety of lizards pictured include chameleons, geckos, skinks, monitors, Komodo Dragons, sand swimmers and thorny devils.
Among the many amazing facts included by Bishop:
* Lizard skin can be be as hard as armor or as soft as velvet.
* Some lizards do not lay eggs, but the mother holds them inside her body, finally giving birth.
* By using the sun's energy for warmth, lizards get by on little food.
The amount of food a mammal needs in one day can last a lizard for two weeks.
* Some lizards, such as the glass lizard, blind lizard, and worm lizard, have no legs.
This book is highly recommended for school and public library collections. The beautiful photographs and accessible text make science fun and intriguing. This is my favorite among his books which I have read.
For ages 7 and up, lizards, science, photogrpahy, animals, and fans of Nic Bishop.
April 18, 2011
Nic Bishop Lizards by Nic Bishop (2010)
Nic Bishop vividly captures the ins and outs of the lizard world in his self-titled book, Nic Bishop Lizards. The design of the book will appeal to reptile and photography lovers alike with its mostly double-page spreads full of close-ups and very detailed images of colorful lizards. A feature of the book is a double fold-out midway through the book with a sequence of shots that capture a basilisk using its larger flapped feet to run across water. The visual presentation is captivating as Bishop does a fabulous job catching the most minute details at the right moments, from drops of water spraying off a fleeing lizard’s foot, to a chameleon’s bright orange and green coloring he uses to try and get a date, to the veiled chameleon’s lightening fast tongue that stretches almost twelve inches to grab a quick cricket bite. The photography is nicely complemented with well-written explanations and examples of specific lizard characteristics, including the main idea of the page in a larger, bolded, and different color font. Captions below the pictures connect the text and images to create one seamless presentation on the life and habitats of lizards, also informing the reader of the actual size of each pictured lizard. With a doctorate in biological sciences and the patience of a saint, Nic Bishop patiently waited for the right moment to get the perfect shot of each lizard. A reader will never guess that most of these shots were taken in his studio because of his meticulous eye for detail, knowledge of proper lighting and lenses, and love of learning about animals and nature. His passion is clearly present throughout the entire book and will make an avid lizard admirer out of anyone who reads his books. I would highly recommend this book to second graders and up doing research or just interested in the topic. With further reading, a glossary, and the link to Bishop’s website, the book is a great jumping point for reptile and biological exploration.
Nic Bishop vividly captures the ins and outs of the lizard world in his self-titled book, Nic Bishop Lizards. The design of the book will appeal to reptile and photography lovers alike with its mostly double-page spreads full of close-ups and very detailed images of colorful lizards. A feature of the book is a double fold-out midway through the book with a sequence of shots that capture a basilisk using its larger flapped feet to run across water. The visual presentation is captivating as Bishop does a fabulous job catching the most minute details at the right moments, from drops of water spraying off a fleeing lizard’s foot, to a chameleon’s bright orange and green coloring he uses to try and get a date, to the veiled chameleon’s lightening fast tongue that stretches almost twelve inches to grab a quick cricket bite. The photography is nicely complemented with well-written explanations and examples of specific lizard characteristics, including the main idea of the page in a larger, bolded, and different color font. Captions below the pictures connect the text and images to create one seamless presentation on the life and habitats of lizards, also informing the reader of the actual size of each pictured lizard. With a doctorate in biological sciences and the patience of a saint, Nic Bishop patiently waited for the right moment to get the perfect shot of each lizard. A reader will never guess that most of these shots were taken in his studio because of his meticulous eye for detail, knowledge of proper lighting and lenses, and love of learning about animals and nature. His passion is clearly present throughout the entire book and will make an avid lizard admirer out of anyone who reads his books. I would highly recommend this book to second graders and up doing research or just interested in the topic. With further reading, a glossary, and the link to Bishop’s website, the book is a great jumping point for reptile and biological exploration.
November 10, 2010
Nic Bishop books combine fascinating science with exquisite photographs. They are magnets for reluctant readers who love animals and nonfiction. His latest book on lizards continues with the high quality standard he has set with previous books. See a lizard hatching, so close that you can almost feel the rubbery egg. Look right into the eyes of a bright-green baby chameleon. Marvel at the skin of the thorny devil. Run across water with a basilisk in a series of stunning shots. Gawk at the geckos in all of their diversity. Linger with lizards here in this book that makes science accessible, fascinating and beautiful.
Bishop excels at creating nonfiction for children. His writing turns scientific facts into accessible and fascinating prose that points readers to reasons for wonder. With his stunning photographs accompanying his prose, it is too easy to ignore the fact that his writing works so well. And of course, you have his amazing gift for photography. Photography that is crystal clear and brings readers so close to the subjects. Make sure you read his author notes at the end for details about what it took to get the photographs you see in the book.
Highly recommended, this belongs in every school and public library along with Bishop’s other titles. Get this in the hands of animal lovers, both reluctant readers and non. But beware, bring it home and you too may be looking into a pet gecko for Christmas. I hear his name is going to be Bob.
Bishop excels at creating nonfiction for children. His writing turns scientific facts into accessible and fascinating prose that points readers to reasons for wonder. With his stunning photographs accompanying his prose, it is too easy to ignore the fact that his writing works so well. And of course, you have his amazing gift for photography. Photography that is crystal clear and brings readers so close to the subjects. Make sure you read his author notes at the end for details about what it took to get the photographs you see in the book.
Highly recommended, this belongs in every school and public library along with Bishop’s other titles. Get this in the hands of animal lovers, both reluctant readers and non. But beware, bring it home and you too may be looking into a pet gecko for Christmas. I hear his name is going to be Bob.
May 8, 2012
The photographs in this are simply stunning! I don't consider myself someone that interested in lizards, but after reading this book, I feel much more interested in them than I was previously. This has amazing photographs combined with lots of interesting facts about lizards. The text is fairly dense, so it is a book for older children...or one to read in several sittings if reading to a younger child. I enjoyed reading the author's note about his process (and struggles) to get the photographs he wanted. I found the photos of the basilisk and the story about those photos especially interesting. Also, I learned several things I didn't know. I plan to check out some of his other books now. Both of my older girls (ages 9 & 7) enjoyed this as well.
March 29, 2014
Basilisks, flying dragons, lizards hatching out of eggs, and more: you'll find them in real-life, full color photographs in this book. Nic Bishop, the author, is one of today's foremost animal photographers and his expertise and patience shines through in every up-close lizard photo.
This particular book is geared for the beginning reader; it is adapted from his 2010 book of the same title. It contains the same amazing photographs and just a little informative text on each lizard.
Highly recommended for new readers and anyone who loves animal photographs! We have this book in our Easy to Read Nonfiction section, a small section geared for beginning readers who love to learn about animals, space, weather, vehicles, and so much more.
This particular book is geared for the beginning reader; it is adapted from his 2010 book of the same title. It contains the same amazing photographs and just a little informative text on each lizard.
Highly recommended for new readers and anyone who loves animal photographs! We have this book in our Easy to Read Nonfiction section, a small section geared for beginning readers who love to learn about animals, space, weather, vehicles, and so much more.
February 21, 2016
This is an example of a survey book done right. Nic Bishop's writing is as clear, focused and fascinating as his stunning photographs. The text is well-formatted, sidebar captions give more detail about the pictured lizard, even indicating the scale of the photograph compared to the animal's actual size. I saw lizards I'd never seen, learned interesting facts, and was left with new-found appreciation for these hardy survivors. Bishop also leaves the reader with an authors note describing the difficulties of capturing some of these amazing photographs. I imagine this book would be hard to keep on the shelf.
March 17, 2011
Another colorful, lusciously photographed piece of work from Nic Bishop. His close-up photos are stunning. And--I learned some neat things about lizards, as each page has just the right chunk of information to accompany the large photo. Monitor lizards are some of the strongest and most clever lizards. They use their forked tongues to pick up chemical scents and wipe their tongue over a special organ in their mouth to "taste" that scent and help them hunt. God's details in nature...amazing!
December 16, 2014
Nic Bishop is a renowned wildlife photographer who has written about frogs, spiders, butterflies and moths, and marsupials. In his latest, Lizards, he combines his dazzling photography with conversational text to show just how fascinating lizards are. I especially enjoyed the end notes, in which he explained some of the problems he had in finding and photographing his trickier subjects, including what it took to get shots of a lizard running across water and of a chameleon catching its dinner. (Originally written for and posted on Mackin Books in Bloom at http://mackinbooksinbloom.com)
May 26, 2014
A simplified version of his earlier book on lizards for very new readers, this one contains eye-popping photographs and engaging although brief text. Young readers will surely be fascinated at the variety of lizards presented here, ranging from a dwarf gecko to a Komodo dragon. The photographs of basilisks racing across the water's surface will have them gasping in delight. There is even a helpful photo index at the back of the book. Nic Bishop books are always popular in elementary classrooms. this one is so affordable that every classroom should be able to have a couple of copies.
August 8, 2014
Nic Bishop adapts his 2010 award-winning book, Nic Bishop: Lizards, for the early reader audience. Bishop combines stunning photographs with brief, but informative paragraphs that introduce facts about lizards, including their physical characteristics, their behaviors, and their life cycles. A small glossary introduces and defines four words and a photo index provides easy access to specific lizards. This is a perfect adaptation for its intended audience and an appealing introduction to lizards for beginning and reluctant readers.
January 18, 2011
We got a lizard at our house for Christmas this year and Bishop's scrupulous look into the world of these little reptiles has fascinated each of my boys. My nine-year old pours through the interesting facts and descriptions while my three year old turns page after page to study the amazing photographs. Bishop makes scientific information accessible to readers of all ages. His author's note in the back of the book was a nice touch.
August 10, 2011
Even though we are getting a bit tired of Nic Bishop's books being Beehive nominees, there is definitely a reason they are! Interesting tidbits of lizard information--much of it I did not know. Really cool photos, too. A certain sell for the boys, and for girls who are interested in bugs, animals, reptiles, and the like. Best picture of the whole thing was of the Basilisk Lizard. It made me think of Caleb and I laughed quite a bit at that. Some other pretty awesome photos, too.
November 2, 2011
Nic Bishop's photographs are amazing, showcasing the diversity and coolness of lizards. The text is engaging, full of fun facts and important concepts, but I wish there had been more effort to distinguish the different concepts--eating, survival, mating, etc--with headings or a similar organization system. I appreciated the bit at the end about capturing the lizards and the reference list and brief index.
July 2, 2012
Nic Bishop takes amazing photographs but they are not the only reason to read this book. Lizards is full of interesting facts about many different kinds of lizards. This book is a great introduction and overview to lizards. It also has a great ending section about how Nic Bishop found some of the lizards to take their pictures and how he managed to get some of the amazing photographs that he took.
March 6, 2015
What an excellent book. I have never really been interested in lizards, but after reading this, I find that I want to read more books about lizards, especially with my nieces and nephews. I loved the picture of the basilisk lizard and I enjoyed reading the few pages from Mr. Bishop. I think the glossary at the end is a great idea as is the index.
September 12, 2012
Extraordinary photography! The text is informative and sometimes funny (e.g. desert lizards "do their errands in the morning") and not too sophisticated nor oversimplified. Bishop's concluding comments about he got the photos of these animals are interesting as well. Not very long, can be read in a sitting.
November 28, 2013
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright: 2010
Outstanding Science Trade Book Winner
Beautiful photographs and great facts about lizards. Kindergarten students will love to look at the photographs. I like that it clearly states how much bigger the photograph is compared to the actual size of the real lizard. (useful when reading to students)
Copyright: 2010
Outstanding Science Trade Book Winner
Beautiful photographs and great facts about lizards. Kindergarten students will love to look at the photographs. I like that it clearly states how much bigger the photograph is compared to the actual size of the real lizard. (useful when reading to students)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews