Garter Snakes

April 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-These titles aim to help young children better identify a few common North American animals. The author assumes that readers have basic familiarity with these animals and so keeps the text simple and focused on basic traits or behaviors. The value of this series is in the clear, close-up photos of these alert, active, and happy-seeming animals. Children will be delighted by the fluffy rabbits, jumping squirrels, and raccoons caught in the act of searching a garbage can. Only Garter Snake contains a photo that could potentially turn away tender-hearted readers (the snake is depicted eating a frog). Back matter includes a "Features of a..." section that reinforces four key physical traits of the selected animal. VERDICT Fine additions where needed.

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