Reviews

Amphibians and Reptiles: A Compare and Contrast Book


International Literacy Association, Literacy Daily - November 2015

"In large print and beautiful close-up photographs, the author explains to young readers the differences between amphibians and reptiles. Using scientific terminology throughout the book, students who love "critters" will enjoy learning about the study of herpetology. A strong point of the book is presenting these animals in their environments so children can get a true feel for where these creatures live within their natural habitats. Each page points out differences and similarities in the amphibian world from egg laying to breathing."

Kirkus Reviews - June 2015

"For her young audience, the author introduces these coldblooded vertebrates and points out some essential differences in egg-laying, early development, breathing, skin, and poison or venom...For her young audience, the author introduces these coldblooded vertebrates and points out some essential differences in egg-laying, early development, breathing, skin, and poison or venom."

"A solid, basic overview. (Informational picture book. 4-8)"

School Library Connection

The strength of this book is how clearly it presents the information. The bold, dynamic pictures complement the text and guide readers through basic taxonomy. At the end of the book there is an educational section that discusses the different classes of animals and herpetology, and includes activities.
- Rachelle Pilarski

Midwest Book Review - October 2015

"Amphibians and Reptiles" uses detailed color photographs and narrative text to present portraits of three types of amphibians, including frogs and toads, salamanders and newts, and caecilians. This example is followed by four portraits of the four different types of reptiles: crocodylians, tuatara, lizards, worm lizards, and snakes, and turtles and tortoises. The text proceeds to present illustrated facts and traits of both amphibians and reptiles in pairs, making it easy to compare and contrast characteristics of the two different classes of animals. Like all books in the Compare and Contrast series, further learning activities for young readers are included in the For Creative Minds pages, with an additional learning exercise of sorting amphibians from reptiles in photos using clues from the book, information on herpetology, and an amphibian life cycle sequencing word unscrambling game.

Kid's Book Buzz - November 2015

I loved learning about these animals and the pictures were very impressive! The part I like the most was the one teaching about poisonous snakes, I had never seen a picture of a snake showing its teeth and venom before.
-Brian Age 5

Archimedes Notebook - October 2015

Katharine Hall compares how reptiles and amphibians are similar - they are cold-blooded and hatch from eggs. She also compares how reptiles differ from amphibians. Most amphibians have smooth skin, while reptiles tend to have dry, scaly skin. Photographs illustrate the important features: eggs, skin, fangs, webbed feet.

Outnumbered 3 to 1 - September 2015

"This is even a book my picky 3 year old enjoys me reading to her! Perhaps your little one will want to be a Herpetologists when they grow up (not me though as I just don't like snakes)!"

Heck of a Bunch - September 2015

"With authentic illustrations, Amphibians and Reptiles showcases both types of creatures in up-close form. Snakes, turtles, crocodiles, and more are showcased. This book explains the differences and similarities between amphibians and reptiles in a way that children can understand. I even learned a couple new facts about them myself!

The "For Creative Minds" section in the back of the book is further engaging with vertebrate classification, amphibian and reptile sorting, amphibian life cycle sequencing, and herpetology definition."

Bob Walch Reviews - November 2015

"Here's an excellent book on amphibians and reptiles that features basic information and large color photos. For an introduction to these critters you won't find a better book that keeps it simple and explains the difference between the two animal classes. Ideal for children about five or six years of age."

Chat with Vera - January 2016

This little book of frogs and snakes (frogs are amphibians and snakes are reptiles), etc. will delight most children. Dare I to say "boys"? The illustrations simply shine with "slime" and pebbly skin is clearly seen. Clear and closeup photography is very good. The text is brief and concise accompanying each picture or spread. This will become a good source of reference for the young child as they begin to learn about amphibians and reptiles.

Children's Literature Review, University of Dayton, SEHS

There is a series and if they are as good as this one I'd love to get them all. Very good photography and information explained in terms young students will understand.

Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children's Media

The simple yet informative text is accompanied by big photographs that illustrate key points. Extension activities are included, as well as a page discussing herpetology and encouraging children to observe nature and record those observations. This is an excellent introduction to the topic that primary teachers will embrace.

Texas Kitchen and Garden and More - June 2017

"Amphibians and Reptiles A Compare and Contrast Book" is a fabulous way to get your little one interested in the biological sciences. This beautifully photographed book, written by life long nature lover Katherine Hall, will captivate the mind of your young reader.