Reviews (42)

THIS IS JUST A WONDERFUL BOOK
and it leaves you feeling so darned good after you read it.The main characters, Owen, a baby hippo, and Mzee, a 130 year old Aldabra tortoise, form a remarkably close bond which continues to this day (and can be followed in their caretaker's diary on the website of Laforge Ecosystems, that lost nearly 250 employees in the December 16, 2004 tsunami, and which contributed to Owen's washing up on a coral reef in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Malindi, Kenya).
Owen & Mzee
This is a wonderful story, to be enjoyed by both children and adults. The message is universal and inspirational showing that friendship has no boundries. The book is well illustrated with some incredible pictures.

Every household must have this book
I saw the book while waiting for my flight in the San Francisco airport bookstore.It is just one of those books that grabs every one of every age.A baby hippo is stranded by the huge tsunami, and is rescued and befriended by a most unusual pal. It just oozes goodness and the real life photos are marvelous.As a former elem. school teacher, I've seen many books and this is one of the must haves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aldabra tortoise    2. Animals - General    3. Animals - Mammals    4. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    5. Behavior    6. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    7. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    8. Children: Grades 1-2    9. Curiosities & Wonders    10. Hippopotamus    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. Kenya    14. Social behavior in animals    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / General   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Consumer Health    4. Diabetes    5. Diet / Health / Fitness    6. Diseases - General    7. Gila monster    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile Science (General)    10. Juvenile literature    11. Saliva    12. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    13. Treatment   

Reviews (10)

Great Guide
I'm starting to get interested in amphibian id and was looking for a book to help as I join in on frog monitoring and other citizen science projects.So, I haven't gotten to use this book in the field yet since it's still midwinter but the book seems like just what I need.It's a typical field guide in that it has the species plates.Pictures in this section are well drawn with color variations and patterns clearly shown and also described in words.Then there are the species-specific entries where each animal is described, habitats and location maps are provided, foods are described, etc.What I especially like about this book is that in this section they also have actual photographs of the animals shown.The photos are close-up so you can see the eggs or the young of snakes for example.I especially love the section on salamanders and decided not to bother trying to get a book dedicated to salamanders just yet.This has all the info I'll need to get going on understanding and identifying these creatures.Looking forward to a trek out to the vernal pools in March and bringing this book with me.

Great for kids and their parents too!
I bought this book for my 7 year old god son.I'd seen and used other Peterson Field Guides, and I can only say they keep improving what was great to begin with.Even though my god son can't read all of the words in this guide, the wonderful color photographs with the reptile or amphibian name make it easy for him to understand.He was absolutely thrilled with this book.There are nice sections on how to capture then set up a terrarium, and to care for reptiles and amphibians in captivity. I highly recommend this for any age!

Everything a field guide should be!
This is the best field guide I've had for herps. The layout is typical; there are color plates of the species and some written commentary and advice on field herping in the front of the book, followed by species accounts and range maps. Fairly typical layout. However, the way in which subspecies were handled is new, at least to me, and incredibly practical and useful. Those subspecies that are readily distinguishable in the field are given full seperate entries and individual range maps, which is particularly nice with certain large species groups (milk and king snakes, Pitouphis, etc.)
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Subjects:  1. Amphibians    2. Canada    3. Identification    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Reptiles    7. Reptiles & Amphibians    8. United States    9. Aquatic creatures    10. Nature / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Reviews (4)

Scary for little ones
My 1st grader said it best: "Cute pictures, but scary story!" She had tears in her eyes as she realized the Mama was gone and the baby was alone. He gets a new mama when he's rescued, but the ghostly outline of his lost mother is present on the last page. Yikes. Terrible for little ones, brings up a whole host of frightening topics.

Winter At Her Absolute Best
As a children's book librarian, I've been following Jeanette Winter's books for many years, and I have always been struck by how child-friendly they are.They are books written and illustrated for children, not for adults, and this is what makes them such welcome additions to any children's book library. With MAMA, we have the ultimate example of this. In life, even in a child's life, difficult things happen.Tsunamis happen. Hurricanes happen. Divorce happens.Rather than being told such things aren't real, children need to deal them, to process them, and in a way that provides comfort.And so it is that Winter, as a children's book author, fearlessly, and with the utmost of grace, tackles a difficult thing that really did happen, ultimately providing much hope and joy. Bravo, Ms. Winter!

A PERFECT Picture Book
This is perhaps the most beautiful and perfect picture book I have ever read. Using just two words throughout the entire text, brilliant author/illustrator Jeanette Winter conveys the most basic of all human emotions: the bond between a mother and child. This most universal of subjects is something every child will understand -- and not just understand, but feel. And with the beautiful, equally minimal illustrations depicting the big, blue ocean, this book is certain to put every child, and every parent, in a trance -- from beginning to end.And the ending is ultimately a very happy, life-affirming, love-affirming one -- that will leave most readers with a big smile tempered with tears, like the sunshine that follows, say, a tsunami. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Mammals    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's 9-12 - Animals/Pets    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Environmental aspects    7. Hippopotamus    8. Infancy    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Mammals    12. Nature - Weather/Natural Disasters    13. Parental behavior in animals    14. Preschool Picture Story Books    15. Tsunamis    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Emotions & Feelings   

Reviews (2)

a useful book
I've the same book but a french one, it is the most useful book a reptiles' lover must have. It is simple to read, to understand. There's a good introduction to reptiles classifications (which is not obvious for begginers), the "identity card" for each animal is well conceived. One great book.
Like all the books in this series "Reptiles and Amphibians" gives a species by species look at a huge variety of creatures.From Chameleons to Cobras this book has a great selection.There are not many field guides out there with such fantastic and detailed photos so I suggest it for anyone who loves the to some "unlovable" slimy or scaly creatures of our world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amphibians    2. Animals    3. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Reference    8. Reptiles    9. Reptiles & Amphibians    10. Nature / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Reviews (28)

A happy tortoise
Now this is really one of my favorite books because it is so fun to get lost in it. The first time I read it I was only supposed to for 20 minuetes but I ended up reading the whole book that night. The title is Esio Trot by Roald Dahl. I highly recomend this to kids who like to get lost in their books!

Expendable Alfie
This takes no time at all to read
Clever Mr. Hoppy
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Turtles    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Size    8. Turtles    9. Animal stories    10. Juvenile Fiction / Love & Romance    11. Reptiles & amphibians   

Reviews (3)

the life of a frog
Frogs are fascinating creatures.It seems children especially develop a fondness for them.This is a book that teaches children everything they'd want to know about frogs, and more importantly about how frogs start off as tadpoles before turning into frogs.If you have a child and he or she likes playing with frogs, give them this book.

Another Great Kids' Book
This is another great STAGE 1 book in the "Let's Read & Find Out" Science Series. The STAGE 1 Series books are written for preschool and kindergarten-age kids (age 3 to 6) about basic science concepts. very good
This book is very appropriate for any young one learning about frogs. My nephew has learned alot from this book about where frogs come from. The pictures are real and not drawings which I like. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amphibians    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Preschool    5. Development    6. Frogs    7. Juvenile literature    8. Metamorphosis    9. Nature - General    10. Science & Nature - General    11. Tadpoles    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / General   

Editorial Review

'Twas the night before Christmas... and Froggy was snoozing away! Everyyear he sleeps through the holidays, waking up only when spring arrives. Butthis year his friend Max the beaver has other plans in store for his amphibiouspal. Tossing snowballs at Froggy's window, Max rouses him and gives him hisfirst-ever Christmas present. "Gee, thanks," says Froggy, faintly perplexed. "Ialways wanted a drawing of a Christmas tree." But it's not a picture Max isgiving him, it's the real thing! The two set off to wake Matthew the turtle andTravis the bear from their hibernations. Soon all four are in search of theperfect Christmas tree. All goes well with the selection, transport home, anddecoration...until Froggy decides it's time to place the foil star on top."Timber!" shouts Max. "Read more

Reviews (3)

Froggy's Best Christmas
My class loves the Froggy Series. I know they'll love this book too. Great condition. Prompt service.

Let's hear it for Froggy!
Another great Jonathon London book!My daughter has all of his books and just absolutely loves reading these fantastic books over and over again!And the illustrations by Frank Remkiewicz are just marvelous! Froggy Wishes...Merry Christmas to All
Poor Froggy, he sleeps all winter and has never been able to celebrate Christmas.But this year, his friend Max the beaver has other plans.He wakes Froggy up from his long winter nap to not only wish him a Merry Christmas, but to give him his first Christmas present ever...a Christmas tree.Froggy and Max hurry to wake up Matthew, the turtle and Travis, the bear from their winter hibernations (because Christmas is about friends) and all four head out to find the perfect tree.They carry it back to Froggy's house, decorate it, make home-made presents for Froggy's family (because Christmas is about family too) and then it's time for Froggy to put the star on top of the tree.Over goes the tree as Max shouts "timber"!This wakes Froggy's mom and dad and they have a wonderful celebration, doing everything...opening presents, roasting chestnuts, singing, eating and even having a snowball fight.And as the day ends, Froggy wishes "Merry Christmas to All"Jonathan London has written a funny, happy, gentle story about the real meaning of Christmas...spending time with friends and family.His easy to read text, full of cheerful animal dialogue and wonderful sound effects is complimented by Frank Remkiewicz's colorful, busy, detailed illustrations.Together they've created a wonderful holiday story that's just perfect for pre-schoolers and that's sure to become an instant favorite in your house. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - Frogs & Toads    3. Bedtime & Dreams    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Preschool    6. Christmas    7. Fiction    8. Frogs    9. General    10. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Animal stories    13. Christmas books    14. Dreams & their interpretation    15. Early learning / early learning concepts    16. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Christmas    17. Reptiles & amphibians   

Reviews (3)

A must have for Froggy fans!
What can I say......the Froggy book series are fantastic! Jonathon London writes so well that children can help but enjoy the book.And Frank Remkiewicz is a wonderful illustrator - he makes the books come alive with his drawings of Froggy and the rest of the gang! The Kids really enjoy it
I and my children found this book helpful whendiscussing fears and swimming lessons.Not only is the book fun to read (neat sounds, etc.), ithas the added bonus of providing two useful teaching tools for beginning swimmers.I have to say that the part where Froggy loses his bathing suit is over done, and really is not necessary to the storey. It conveys embarrasment about nudity when it really isn't necessary. A little skillful editing while reading can minimize this.Thebottom line is that I and my son found the book helpful, it is wellwritten, and has enjoyable illustrations.

Froggy & skills mastery
I agree with the other reviews that this book is especially splendid in it's illustrations, text and message.Like many young children, Froggy is fearful of the water (and, presumably, other new experiences).However, bytaking it at his own pace, and with the encouragement of his mother, hesoon masters his skills at swimming (anyone who has or works with youngchildren will empathize with a tired mom & dad frog who are stillwaiting patiently on into the night as Froggy practices his new learning).While very cute, age appropriate and fun, I have only one criticism:atone point, no doubt for humorous effect, Froggy looses his bathing suit and"turns more red than green."Demanding his parents NOT to look,he skedaddles into the bushes and re-suits.Perhaps I'm reading into thistoo much, but I would hope that children don't come to devolop negativebody issues re: being nude, especially around their own parents (no oneelse is at the beach with Froggy, Mom & Dad).My only concern is thatthis might reinforce the unnecessary shameful aspect of nudity that peoplein this country embrace and that, IMHO, is often one of the issues thatlead to negative body image in children in America (why do you think wehave so many anorexic/bulimic children here??) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Frogs & Toads    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Fear    5. Fiction    6. Frogs    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    9. Social Issues - New Experience    10. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    11. Social Situations - New Experience    12. Swimming    13. Animal stories    14. Early learning / early learning concepts    15. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Miscellaneous    16. Reptiles & amphibians   

Reviews (2)

Unexamined metaphysics
My boy brought this home the school library and the title of the book intrigued me. What is it like to swim by swishing your tail, round and round, in a small little bowl; or, eating fish flakes sprinkled from above when the person decides it's time to be fed; or to live in an environment that deteriorates day after day into murkiness until you are suddenly scooped up by a net and put into an even smaller container while your bowl is being cleaned? What IS it like to be a fish? Alas, there are no answers to that question found in this book -- pity.
Great science book for young kids!
Wendy Pfeffer has a talent for making difficult science concepts understandable to young children.This is a lively and very kid-friendly book with cheerful illustrations that kids will enjoy and learn from. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Fishes    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Fishes    6. Juvenile literature    7. Science & Nature - General    8. Aquatic creatures    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / General    10. Zoology & animal sciences   

Reviews (3)

A VERY WELL DONE AND INFORMATIVE BOOK - KIDS LOVE THIS ONE
There is so much information packed into this work that it is difficult to imagine how the author and illustrator pulled it off.This is the story of the life cycle of the loggerhead turtle.The illustrations are beautiful and actually quite accurate.The text is simple and very, very well done.It follows the illustrations perfectly and is just overflowing with good information. This book, while great for kids to read on their own (this is one of the more used books in our school library), it is also great to read to the class as a whole as it never fails to bring on good questions and good discussions (better know your turtles when faces with a bunch of third graders).

My Favorite Book!
I like this story because it tells me a lot about loggerhead turtles. My favorite part about the story is the interesting fact that turtles cry. I never knew that! Turtles lay one to ten eggs, but at least five live. I learned that. They lay their eggs at night. I like this book because it is a wonderful story about turtles and I think everyone should read it.

Fun to Read and Very Educational.
This interesting book explains to children the basic life cycle of a loggerhead sea turtle. The book opens with a brief introduction explaining that a sea turtle is related to tortoises and terrapins, but they are different types of animals. After the one-page introduction, the actual story begins. We follow the life cycle of a sea turtle called Loggerhead from the time she is a small turtle living and hiding in sea weeds and drift wood to the time Loggerhead swims to the mating beaches to mate and lay her eggs. The last pages of the book include a brief index that can help teach children what an index is and how to use it. ONE TINY TURTLE is a great reading science book for young children. It's very factual and realistic in displaying and describing what we know of the life of a sea turtle (for instance, after the eggs are hatched, it makes it clear that only a few baby turtles ever make it to the ocean and the rest are eaten by crabs and birds). Highly recommended, especially for anyone who likes turtles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Marine Life    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Animals - Turtles    4. Children's 4-8 - Animals/Pets    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    6. Children: Grades 1-2    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Loggerhead turtle    11. Turtles    12. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Turtles   

Reviews (1)

One of the stronger Eyewitness books
For those who are new to the Eyewitness format, it consists of thematically arranged two-page spreads of brilliant photographs on a white background.There is an intro paragraph in the upper left-hand corner, but most of the text is in the captions that go with the photographs.Generally, the biological sciences titles are the strongest in this series, since other topics often need a more organized progression of topics.You'll get a lot of information out of these books, but you won't get a systematic anaylsis.
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Subjects:  1. Amphibians    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's 9-12 - Nature / Guide Books    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Nature - General    10. Reference - General    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Reviews (7)

Great book - lousy binding
My son loves this book, but after about 4 readings it started to fall apart and about 5 pages are now floating around somewhere in my house.Great book, just get the hardcover copy.

Book falls apart
This is my grandson's favorite Froggy story. However, the quality of the paper back book is abysmal. Both copies fell apart within 24 hours, with the middle pages detaching almost at once. Children's books must be durable and these are not. Don't waste your money.

Froggy Plays Soccer
I would recommend this book if your child likes soccer or if you are hoping your child will like soccer, otherwise not such a great book.... I thought it was cute but definitely something a child who likes soccer can only appreciate ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - Frogs & Toads    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Fiction    6. Frogs    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Soccer    9. Sports & Recreation - Miscellaneous    10. Sports & Recreation - Soccer    11. Animal stories    12. Early learning / early learning concepts    13. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Miscellaneous    14. Reptiles & amphibians    15. Sporting stories   

Reviews (2)

Great early reader!
My son is 7 1/2 and just getting to the point where reading is less of a chore. This book has many of the skills he needs to practice and does so in an informative, engaging way. Lots of the words end in "silent E" or "ing"...I'll have him read a couple of pages a day and these small, consistent efforts are really yielding fruit. I should warn the squeamish that there are pics in there showing snakes eating rats and other animals. But 7yo boys are notorious for finding such stuff cool (so do I). Highly recommended.

I'm only seven And it is great
I just learned to read in first grade. The pictures were so great that I really wanted to read it. I started and finished in one day. I don't like reading that much, but I don't mind reading when it is something cool like snakes!Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Juvenile Easy Readers    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Readers    8. Readers - Beginner    9. Snakes    10. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner   

Reviews (3)

Cama cama cama, cama chameleon
The concept of photography as an art is finally coming into its own.Once reluctant art centers are placing their Edward Westons alongside their Claude Monets.As recently as 2004 the very first Caldecott Honor was given to a picture book that contained photography in some way (it was "Knuffle Bunny" by Mo Willems).And Joy Cowley has singlehandedly reinvented the notion of the photographic picture book.Having begun this process with "Red-Eyed Tree Frog" (a title that National Geographic Press must feel they should've gotten first dibs on), Cowley has once again paired with photographer extraordinaire Nic Bishop with the multi-colored and magnificent, "Chameleon, Chameleon".Until these last two books, the notion of a fictional photographic tale has never been properly realized ("Stranger In the Woods" by Carl R. Sams does NOT count).Now all that has changed and Cowley & Bishop can be commended for formenting an entirely new genre in the picture book oeuvre.No small task.
full of info
If youhaveever wanted to learn more about chameleons this is the book for you.It features several chameleons and follows then through out their day.We see their homes, we find out how they catch their prey and how they eat it.We also we how they react to one another.The authors note in the back of the book gives lots of factual information on chameleons.
A Terrific Book for The Rain Forest and Earth Day!
Joy Cowley dreams up another simple fun book with pictures of great detail.It reminds what I have been missing, not looking at photographs of chameleons rather than drawings.The photos are spectacular! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Chameleons    3. Children's 4-8 - Nature    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Photography    9. Preschool Informational Books    10. Reptiles & Amphibians    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Photography   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Science & Nature - Biology    5. Spanish: Grades 2-3    6. Spanish: Grades 3-4    7. Biology, life sciences   

Reviews (2)

Delightful for children--and adults!
The artwork lured me to this book.Each page has a marvelous rendition of a sea turtle's nesting saga. The storytelling is accurate but lyrical so even the youngest children will be captivated. I highly recommend it for parents and grandparents to give to the children they love--especially if you're headed for the beach!

Kudos from my Grandson
My grandson, Cameron Howard, has checked this book out from the library on numerous ocassions.Despite his generally responsible attitude toward returning books in a timely manner, he just can't get this book back when it's due.Why?Because he is busy reading and re-reading the book.He iscaptovated by the pictures.He is infactuated with the text and dazzled bythe illustrations.He called me up to see if I could get him this book. This seven year old made sure I knew the exact spelling of the author'sname and the illustrator's name!It's a hit among the 7 year old crowd! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Animals - Turtles    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Life cycles    8. Sea turtles   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Preschool Informational Books    7. Snakes    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians   

Reviews (1)

Turtle Enough for me
I thought this book was really great because I always loved turtles and the sad part was she laid 100 eggs and only one survived.I think that this turtle book gives alot of information about turtle eggs and baby turtles.The pictures were really great.I would recommend this book to everybody because it is a really great story and fun to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Marine Life    2. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Science & Nature - Zoology    8. Sea turtles   

Reviews (5)

Reptiles Alive!
Dorling Kindersley does it again.Their "Eyewitness: Reptile" book is full of beautiful photographs and fascinating facts.This book, as with the others in the DK "Eyewitness" series, can be enjoyed as casual reading by readers of all ages, as well as used as a helpful resource book.

Great deal!
this book was a great deal, in really good condition, and my son loves it! Thanks!

This won't be our last Eyewitness book!
This gift from my mother in law for my son sat unused on the shelf for about 2 years before he discovered it at the age of 6.Now suddenly it's the favorite "toy"; dragged to school, on short car trips across town and kept close during every spare moment at home.He knows instantly how to find his favorite spreads on the alligator snapping turtle and the crocodile skulls - invaluable for impressing his friends, teachers and complete strangers.This book inspired a very keen interest, to say the least!
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children's 9-12 - Nature / Guide Books    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Nature - General    8. Reference - General    9. Reptiles    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / Reptiles & Amphibians