Snakes

July 1, 1993
Gr 1-4- -An attractive, well-written easy reader. Demuth looks at how several types of snakes live, what they eat, and how they protect themselves. Comparisons are made between small and large varieties, and between snakes and familiar objects in order to describe their size and weight. Some facts are merely mentioned with little or no follow-up, e.g., How is the snake's venom used for medicine? How does a cobra know to raise its head and look around in response to a snake charmer? Moffatt's cut-paper illustrations are interesting, colorful, and well designed. While not as naturalistic as photographs or some representational art, the collage technique has the advantage of appearing three dimensional and does a fine job of conveying movement and texture. Alexandra Parsons's Amazing Snakes (McKay, 1990) offers similar coverage, and its full-color photographs effectively enhance its informational value. Make a place for Snakes in primary-level nonfiction collections. -Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, IA