1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1991. SNAKES. 1992. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-0229-752

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This is a very interesting book about snakes. The information included in this book are about the snake’s predators, their prey, the way they survive, and how they live. Also, included in SNAKES are visually captivating photographs. Readers will learn about the snake’s characteristics, habits, and the natural environment of all kinds of snakes.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon is the author of over two hundred and fifty well written science trade books. The National Science Teachers Association has named over half of these books Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children. Therefore, the information presented in SNAKES is very accurate. For example, my children loved reading these facts, “Giant snakes sometimes attack people, but they almost never try to eat them. One reason is that most humans are just too large and too quick to be caught easily. Another reason is that humans are smart and in a group can help one another fend off the snake. If a giant snake does attack a person, it is probably because the snake mistakes the person for an animal that it normally preys upon. A person is more likely to be hit by lightning than attacked by a giant snake.” My students enjoy reading these facts about giant snakes. This trade book is very engaging and appropriate for young readers. The organization of SNAKES is sufficient. There are no reference aids in this book. This trade book is without subheadings, no table of contents, and no index page. Even though these reference aids are missing, SNAKES is a good read aloud and browsing trade book.
My second grade students loved the photographs. The full-page photographs are remarkable. My students were thrilled to see the photograph of the cobra. The photographs complement the text. The size of font and the photographs clearly communicate the subject matter effectively. The overall layout of SNAKES is appropriate to the subject matter. After reading this book, my students were drawing pictures of cobras, vipers, and boas for days. This trade book by Seymour Simon, illustrate the brilliance of his work. Simons writing is interesting and offers the reader the opportunity to want to learn more about snakes. I utilize Simon’s work in my curriculum because he is an outstanding author of children’s trade books, his writing is accurate, and his knowledge of the subject matter is exceptional.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Grade 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.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The dramatic cover photo of an orangey-gold boa snaking from a black background will insure
that this doesn't sit long on the shelf. Inside, riveting full-page color photos on every spread and the clearly written (if rather difficult) text on life cycle, anatomy, reproduction, classification, movement, diet, and poisonous snakes will also draw an appreciative audience. Another winner from the prolific, reliable Simon. insure that this doesn't sit long on the shelf. Inside,
riveting full-page color photos on every spread and the clearly written (if rather difficult) text on life cycle, anatomy, reproduction, classification, movement, diet, and poisonous snakes will also draw an appreciative audience. Another winner from the prolific, reliable Simon.”
BOOKLIST: “Simon offers a clear, siccinct text illuminated with stunning, large color photographs of these graceful felines.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Allow students to categorize Seymour Simon’s books according to subjects.
*Students will use the computer and trade books on snakes. Students will choose a snake from SNAKES and draw a picture of their favorite snake. Students will write interesting facts about their snake. Students will share their final product with the class. Place all completed work on the bulletin board in the classroom.
*Other books by Seymour Simon:
Simon, Seymour. GIANT SNAKES. ISBN 0811854116
Simon, Seymour. WEATHER. ISBN 0688175211X
Simon, Seymour. TORNADOES. ISBN 0788146465
Simon, Seymour. STARS. ISBN 0060890002
Simon, Seymour. OCEANS. ISBN 0688094538
* http: www.seymoursimon.com