Living Snakes of the World in Color

Customer Reviews:

One of the best.......2005-03-08

For a combination of photos, natural history, and care notes on so many species of snakes, this book cannot be beat. I just bought my second copy, so that i can have one in mint.

Even though this book was published several years ago, the care info in it is solid. If you are halfway interested in snakes, this is a definate book for you.

An excellent, basic guide to a large number of species........2001-03-17

The book is intended to provide a basic overview of 400+ species of snake. Therefore, no time is wasted on introductions. The book is divided first into 3 categories: primitave snakes, Colubrids, and venomous snakes. These groups are further divided into family groups/regional groups. The author provides usually one (often more) color photograph to accompany the description of each individual species. Information is provided on habitat, geographic range, natural history, size, care, and reproduction for each species. With a few exceptions, the phototography is excellent. The overviews are brief, but the author provides information & photos of more species that I have found in any single book. The book is excellent for readers interested in venomous snakes. Over 1/3 of the book is dedicated to hard-to-find information/photos on sea snakes, elapids, viperids, and crotalids. The book contains a brief section on snake venom. The biggest weakness of the book is probably it's age (1987), but it is still well worth the investment. While the information on each snake is brief, I have not found a book containing species-specific information on as many species as the Mehertens book. To receive equivalent information, you would need to purchase multiple regional guides. A great guide for professionals and amateur snake lovers!

Great starting point for herpetoculturists.......1999-08-16

I have had this book for a while now and still refer to it when I have questions about food and habitat for certain species. I am still for a book that talks about all species of snakes whether they are common in captivity or almost(in some cases thought to be) extinct. The book covered the material it was designed for and was all in all a very good book.

A useful overview, though not comprehensive........1998-02-08

This book attempts to provide expansive coverage of snakes commonly seen by the public in zoos, private collections, and the pet trade. Ultimately, I was a bit disappointed by the book.

This book provides minimal, and I do mean minimal, coverage of "164 genera, 413 species, and 454 subspecies" according to the dust jacket. Of necessity, the amount of coverage devoted to each snake is limited. Still there's enough text to provide an overview of the species. Unfortunately, the book fails to mention many of the species that are currently available as reptile pets. More than half of the book is devoted to poisonous snakes, most of which the average reader is unlikely ever to encounter. I would have traded, say, the 15 pages of coverage on poisonous sea snakes for more discussion of snakes I'd be likely to see in my backyard or neighborhood pet store. Additionally, because the book is now over 10 years old, its taxonomy for a number of species is not longer correct or complete.

One of the big distinctions of this book is that it provides color photographs of all the species it describes. In most cases, the photographs range from good to excellent. This makes the blurry and out-of-focus pictures (e.g. Dumeril's boa on pp. 23 and blood python on pp. 59) stick out like a sore thumb. Some of these problems may be related to the printing of my copy, but in a number of cases the problems are a result of poor photographic technique. Especially frustrating when the species being photographed is commonly available! Still, these flaws are forgivable when compared against the general quality of the book.

"Living Snakes of the World in Color" succeeds at providing a pictorial introduction to hundreds of species of snake. Those uninterested in poisonous snakes, or those looking for comprehensive coverage of snakes available as "pets" might be better off with another book (although I have yet to find a reasonably priced book that fits the bill).

A milestone in it's area........1997-01-28

Excellent color pictures mixed with a well-written and professional text. All to all a balanced book. Novice or expert, you will enjoy many hours of good reading. (an extra plus for the "care" section of each animal, useful and often hard to come by.)

Average customer rating:

Nice pictures, but...
A good book

Venomous Snakes of the World
Mark O'Shea
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0691124361

Book Description

Feared, revered, and often misunderstood, venomous snakes have been a source of legend and nightmare since time immemorial. In this comprehensive volume, author Mark O'Shea has combined expertly written, in-depth descriptions of the world's common and exotic venomous snakes, highlighted by previously unpublished gripping accounts of his adventures with snakes, including personal observations and several serious snakebite episodes.

The book begins with a description of the anatomies of venomous snakes, along with their diversity and distribution. Also included is a unique in-depth look at the various types of snake venom and the ways that each type attacks the body. A section on anti-venom, including thoughts on the looming anti-venom crisis, is also presented. Information on the adaptations of ocean-dwelling snakes and issues of snake conservation as well as an examination of venomous lizards follow.

From bamboo pitvipers to deep-diving seasnakes, and from adders and asps to terciopelos and the massasaugas, this book takes an original approach to examining these enthralling creatures. Rather than the typical taxonomic categorization, the snakes are grouped by geographic location: the Americas, Africa, Eurasia, Tropical Asia, Australasia, and the Oceans. Each section is illustrated with stunning and rare pictures, many of which were taken by the author himself.

Suitable for professional snake handlers and armchair herpetologists alike, this extremely accessible book is an enthusiastic celebration of the diversity and beauty of venomous snakes worldwide.

Explores the secret world of venomous snakes, revealing their habitats, characteristics, and hunting and feeding behaviors
Contains thrilling details of O'Shea's own encounters with snakes
Provides detailed information on venomous snake diversity, venom types, and conservation
Includes a world map illustrating venomous snake distribution and detailed accounts of more than 170 species
Features over 150 full-color photographs, many of them of extremely rare species

Customer Reviews:

Nice pictures, but..........2006-11-06

This book has some really good photos, but is more of a travelogue than a good source of information on venomous snakes. A fun read with pretty pictures. Look elsewhere for in-depth information.

A good book.......2005-11-02

Overall, this is a pretty good book. The photographs are what make it great. The text is informative, though not very techincal, so if you are looking for a more in-depth book, this may not be what you are looking for. However, for the price it is well worth it.

Average customer rating:

Snakes of the World Atlas - Coborn
AMAZING EXPERIENCE ! ! ! !
The BEST snake book!
The Atlas of Snakes of the World
The Atlas of Snakes of the World

The Atlas of Snakes of the World
John Coborn
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0866227490

Product Description

592 pages, hardcover. By John Coburn. This highly informative "atlas" style book combines authoritative, practical, comprehensive text with hundreds of excellent full-color photos in a coffee-table size.

Customer Reviews:

Snakes of the World Atlas - Coborn.......2007-05-21

One of the most comprehensive and impressive books of this type I have seen. The information and photographs are exceptional. Extremely good value and a worthwhile addition to any book collection and not only for people with a passionate interest in snakes. I definitely recommend this book to anyone considering purchasing it.

AMAZING EXPERIENCE ! ! ! !.......2006-06-30

Compre el libro para regalarselo a mi novio, el cual tiene una pasion en la vida: SNAKES!!!!!, el libro absolutamente le encanto... la vdd esta padrisimo, tiene excelentes fotografias, y lo mejor, la informacion, definitivamente muy completa.

The BEST snake book!.......2004-06-25

This is it. If you are looking for a book that covers everything snake with lots of pictures, you have found it. This has general information and husbandry, taxonomy, and goes through all the snakes, not just the popular pets and famous venomous ones. It also has information on responsible pet ownership. And it is enjoyable to read!

The Atlas of Snakes of the World.......2002-03-30

Wonderful! It is not just an atlas, it is very informative and very readable. I am just beginning a serious study of snakes, and this is a fantastic adult introduction. Snakes : The Evolution of Mystery in Nature is also a great book, but I suggest reading this first.

The Atlas of Snakes of the World.......2000-06-03

Lots of pictures but little real information on individual species. Snakes : The Evolution of Mystery in Nature is a better choice for those looking for more indepth info.

Snake: The Essential Visual Guide to the World of Snakes

Average customer rating:

WHAT AN INTERESTING AND WELL PRESENTED WORK
How Disappointing
Two Books Mixed Up by Amazon!
Are we talking about the same book?
Wonderful beginning book

Snake: The Essential Visual Guide to the World of Snakes
Chris Mattison
Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 078944660X

Amazon.com

Slither into DK's Snake and you'll find yourself tantalized. Or is that terrorized? Either way, snake aficionados, and those looking to increase their appreciation of snakes, should not miss this gorgeous, full-color guide to the legless reptiles. Chris Mattison, a herpetologist and wildlife photographer, has gathered a concise compendium of facts, myths, and unbelievable images, with familiar as well as little-known species highlighted. While not zoologically comprehensive, Snake does provide a good sense of the diversity of these lovely and misunderstood animals. From the intricate patterns of the harmless checkered garter snake to the sheer magnificence of the deadly, 11.5-foot-long black mamba, each snake is presented with its best scale forward. Snake is full of great herpetological trivia, and the photos are sharply detailed close-ups. --Therese Littleton

Book Description

With spectacular close-up photographs and astonishing illustrations, this extraordinary book is the guide to more than 3,000 snakes from around the world. Fascinating physical and behavioral characteristics of these creatures are presented, with the most up-to-date information available about snakes' habitats, reproductive behavior, feeding practices, defense mechanisms, and much more. A complete, detailed directory lists all species of the 18 snake families; the special "Fact Files" section gives at-a-glance information about every featured snake.

Customer Reviews:

WHAT AN INTERESTING AND WELL PRESENTED WORK.......2007-08-10

To begin with, after reading the other reviews here, there is an apparent problem. I am not sure what happened, but it would seem that folks are reviewing two different books! This work, ISBN 0-7566-1365-5 has the title "Snake - The Essential Visual Guide to the World of Snakes" by Chris Mattison. It is by DK Publishing and the date of publication is 2006. We seem to have gotten our snake books mixed up here. The picture featured on this page is the same that I have in front of me now and is the one I am reviewing. That being said....

This is quite a remarkable book. It gives a broad overview of the world of snakes. The author, Chris Mattison starts with a chapter which gives general information about these wonderful creatures. He discusses their evolution, various environments, size and shapes, scales and their various patterns, anatomy and mobility, sense organs, hunting and feeding methods, venomous snakes, passive defense mechanisms, active defense mechanisms, reproduction, classification systems and, very importantly, conservation. The rest of the book consists primarily of a "snake Gallery" where the author discusses various specific species. The author then adds a very nice Snake Directory where he addresses various family groups.

The photography in this volume is some of the best I have reviewed. The photographs are vivid, sharp and very, very colorful. There are 450 illustration and close-up photographs and over 60 individual snake species represented. The text is general in format with short blurbs about each subject snake and is chucked full of great snake trivia. The book is simply a joy to read, over and over again.

Now please note. This is not a complicated text ment for the expert or the advanced student. The author's intent, which is so stated by the author, is to introduce folks to these creatures, spread some basic knowledge and understanding and give some idea where these creatures fall in natures plan. The text is indeed simple, but not overly so. The author does not use highly technical terms so this work is great for not only adults, but kids in general. The book consists of approximately 192 large pages and each page is packed with good, interesting and useful information. Now I am not a "snake expert" by any means, although I have been handling, collecting, photographing and observing them for well over 50 years now. From my limited knowledge, I found no errors in the text nor any bad information. Now all of you folks out there that are extremely knowledgable in this subject, just remember that not ever one shares your knowledge and every one has to start somewhere. As you know, there are many, many technical books out there, suitable for all levels. If you fall into this category, then you probably need to seek a more specific work. Just give the beginner and the curious a chance.

This work would be wonderful for any school library, home schooler or anywhere interested and curious folks gather. I like this one setting near my reading chair as it is a joy to pick up now and then, read a bit and just look at the pictures. Recommend this one highly.

How Disappointing.......2007-05-22

I read the reviews and still managed to get confused and order this disappointing book. DK publishing usually offers outstandingly detailed and beautifully illustrated books, but this one is a real let-down. The photos of the snakes are very nice, but the text is too cutesy - varying font sizes and only the most general information. We bought the book to donate to our daughter's elementary school, but it will be of little use as a research tool and the information is too simplistic to educate our snake-loving kindergartener. I'm very disappointed and expected so much more from DK.

Two Books Mixed Up by Amazon!.......2007-05-04

"Snake" is a terrific book (I give it 5 stars) with fabulous photography. Every genuine reviewer has given it 5 stars. Unfortunately Amazon seems to have confused two different books---"Snake" and "The Snake Book" because reviewer Richard Bernhardt's mediocre review of the latter book has been incorrectly posted under the first book's page and affects the star average unfairly. Also, the description of the book from the School Library Journal on the "Snake" page obviously fits the other book written for children---not "Snake," which is aimed at adults. I suspect the same mess might be occurring on "The Snake Book" page. I hope Amazon fixes this!

Are we talking about the same book?.......2006-06-21

Perhaps Amazon.com or the authors of previous reviews are confused about which book they're describing. The cover of the book shown in the picture is written by Mayr Ling and Mary Atkinson, not Chris Mattison. It is little more than 14 pictures (16 if you include the front and back covers) of various snakes in the same small white box. It offers nothing in the way of herpetocultural advise, or evolutionary or ecological insight. There are four to six sentences per page with cute little factoids. It is a fine book for introducing young children to a fraction of the beautiful variety of snakesThe first "editorial review" about this book from Amazon.com appears to be referring to another book called "Snake," and is misleading with respect to this book, entitled "The Snake Book." The second "editorial review" from School Library Journal seems to be a more accurate description of this book. "The Snake Book" is definitely not written for adults.

Wonderful beginning book.......2004-06-25

This is a stunningly visual book with fantastic general information on snakes. I have a number of books by Chris Mattison, and this is his best! Well worth the price.

Surviving the Iron Curtain: A Microscopic View of What Life Was Like Inside a War-Torn Region

Average customer rating:

A must-read book on surviving in Biafra
Surviving the iron curtain by Chief Uche Jim Ojiaku

Surviving the Iron Curtain: A Microscopic View of What Life Was Like Inside a War-Torn Region
Chief Uche Jim Ojiaku
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1424170702
Release Date: 2007-03-26

Book Description

The NIGERIA-BIAFRA war started in mid 1967 when a tiny region of Nigeria seceded from Nigeria to become Biafra. With the complete support of the British government, Nigeria instituted a very powerful and effective blockade on Biafra. The only communication that Biafra had with the rest of the world was through the RED CROSS and CARITAS relief flights that were flown into Biafra at nights under heavy attacks from Nigerian forces. Some of the planes were shot down. With no powerful nation backing Biafra, coupled with the blockade and the consequent lack of food and medicine, surviving in Biafra became a matter of improvisements for both Biafran forces and citizens. In an area that was replete with diseases like malaria, typhoid and kwashiorkor, this book explains how the Biafran citizens were able to survive for almost three years until Biafra was defeated in January 1970.

Customer Reviews:

A must-read book on surviving in Biafra.......2007-05-07

Chief Jim Ojiaku has written a fantastic and excellent expose' of the events of the Nigerian civil war from the home perspective. The rendition of his experiences, his free style of writing, enabled him to compress a large volume of facts with eloquence and details, thus, reminding the reader about why 'war is raw'. Chief Ojiaku wrote from the heart--a testament of the originality that would be a point of reference for future writers, hence there were no bibliographical references. The book portrayed how a determined people (Biafrans) courageously persevered over a thirty-month bloody civil war in the face of adversity perpetrated by world super-powers who coerced the international community to look away while they helped the Federal Government of Nigeria in its failed effort to win the war in forty-eight hours, then resorted to blockade and blanket the Biafrans both by sea, air, and land and executed the blood-letting and starvation that led to an eventual surrender to peace in 1970.
Chief Ojiaku indicated that although the battle ended in the war front, the war rages on as people from the Biafran side continue to be marginalized in almost all aspects of Nigerian life--politics, university admissions, road constructions and what have you! This book showed that Chief Jim Ojiaku can successfully make use of good advice. Thanks to his brother in law--Professor Joe Akunna who sincerely advised him to put down his thoughts in black and white.
Surviving the iron curtain exemplified how Biafra was killed in a genocidal civil unrest, but the people refused to die. The planned extermination of the Biafrans from the surface of the earth--how civilians were tortured and starved, the poor state of Biafra, how ill-equipped young people joined the war to save their people, how the Biafrans used improvises to fight valiantly as the Biblical David against Goliath. Chief Uche Jim Ojiaku did not forget the benevolence of the Red Cross and other relief organizations in breaking the iron curtain despite enemy attack. Worst still was the only twenty pounds which Biafrans received from the Nigerian Government who had any bank account in Biafran banks--being the only rehabilitation received since after the war.
Chief Jim Ojiaku deliberately refused to deal with the blame game that characterizes every war. He was right to blame both sides in order to allow the reader to understand his reason for writing the book. Finally Biafra surrendered through the courage and bravery of Colonel Philip Effiong who helped to salvage the human skull that was left of Biafra--in 1970. I strongly recommend this book to all who profess to the Biafran cause-both old and young--a reminder of the indelible scar--that was Biafra.

Surviving the iron curtain by Chief Uche Jim Ojiaku.......2007-04-23

In reading Chief Uche Jim Ojiaku's book I learned a piece of history that needs to be read by everyone and the world needs to remember the horrors of the war between Nigeria and The Republic Of Biafra and a war that tore apart a country.
He tells of one story about his brother Emmanuel who is killed at the front at the young age of 19 and the beautiful touching letter his father writes to his dead son, "An Epitath To Lt. Emmanuel Ojiaku."

This letter is heart breaking and no one would forget reading it. He writes very lovingly about his mother, father, brothers and sisters and especially about his love for his people. He brings forth in his book many beautiful photographs and diagrams on the many foods in his region and explains in great detail on each food and how they're prepared.

This book is a must read. Jim brings forth the great love he has for his people, his family and most of all his great country.

I give Chief Uche Jim Ojiaku five stars ***** for a book well written.

Joseph Frank Baraba

Average customer rating:

Snakes of the World Coloring Book
Jan Sovak
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486284719

Book Description

Over 40 species. Add your colors to the king cobra, black mamba, boa constrictor, puff adder, Indian python, milk snake, garter snake, and many more. Captions.

Thundering Silence: Sutra on Knowing the Better Way to Catch a Snake

Average customer rating:

profound teachings in a simple and short sutra
A Nice Little Book

Thundering Silence: Sutra on Knowing the Better Way to Catch a Snake
Thich Nhat Hanh
Manufacturer: Parallax Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0938077643

Book Description

Thundering Silence presents the early teachings of the Buddha on how to see reality clearly without becoming caught by the notions and ideologies.

Customer Reviews:

profound teachings in a simple and short sutra.......2007-06-13

Thay does it again... Wonderful deep teachings from the Buddha, made simple, clear, and easy to understand. Great teachings warning about dangers of fundamentalism and misunderstanding philosophy/religion, etc.

A Nice Little Book.......2000-04-05

This book has a perfect title for those times when it is needed, thinking about troublesome areas of our lives, particularly for people who are prone to think of the impossible more fondly than they should. My favorite part of the book was the short list of descriptions which Buddha had for the dangers of passion. Like a burning pit, someone might push you into it, etc. This book is difficult for some people to read, as a lot of books might be, but I consider it the best of its kind. I even consider it a perfect expression of the ascetic ideal, in more ways than one, and that's a lot.

Average customer rating:

Excellent reading on India
an easy to digest examination of modern India
Fluffy
Fluffy
The Whole Masala

Snakes and Ladders
Gita Mehta
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0385491697
Release Date: 1998-04-13

Book Description

India is a land of contrasts. It is the world's most populous democracy, but it still upholds the caste system. It is a burgeoning economic superpower, but one of the poorest nations on earth. It is the home of the world's biggest movie industry after Hollywood, as well as to the world's oldest religions. It is an ancient civilization celebrating fifty years as a modern nation. Now, as never before, the world wants to know what contemporary India is all about.

As she has proved in three previous books--her wry take on the marketing of the mystic East in Karma Cola; the rich historical saga of Raj; and the beguiling tales of A River Sutra--there is no better guide to India's multihued mosaic than Gita Mehta. She knows India in all its rich detail--its folkways and history, its culture and politics, its ancient traditions and current concerns. In Snakes and Ladders, she gives a loving but unflinching assessment of India today, in an account that is entertaining, informative, and wholly personal.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent reading on India.......2003-11-04

I have read many books describing the life, culture and natives of India. Being an Indian, I must say that this book was not only a good narration of India but also came close to real India on many aspects. The collection of essays is great and covers many aspects with interesting and ammusing language. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested to know about life in India.

an easy to digest examination of modern India.......2001-09-01

I knew next to nothing about modern India, so I learned a lot from these breezy essays. Sure they wonder all over the place -- chapters jump from political topics to the draught to Indian yuppies, but for the casual reader, the essays are very entertaining and informatative. The effect is that of reading several short travelogues about India all in a row. Mehta writes well and makes some sharp observations about India's political development. I wanted to see more description of the various parts of India (the desert like areas versus the huge cities and vast fertile plains) because it is a land of such great contrasts. Most of the essays left me wanting to know more. I enjoyed the personal anecdotes from the author's childhood. Not a history book, but a good and easy to read overview for the Indian novice.

Fluffy.......2001-04-15

Lacking in depth and daring, this book is entirely unexceptional. Elsewhere one of the readers of Snakes and Ladders cites A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, now that is a wonderful novel. It delivers more information, more emotion, more understanding than this little book of magazine-like essays. I was very disappointed in Snakes and Ladders, thought it a waste of time and money. Read a Fine Balance, it's glorious.

Fluffy.......2001-04-15

The Whole Masala.......2001-03-31

In the past six months I've read at least twice that many books about India, and of them all "Snakes and Ladders" and Wm. Dalyrmple's "City of Djins" have been the best. Gita Mehta is an exceptional writer who manages to combine fact and emotion in a series of elequent essays. The last 50 years in Indian history - her first 50 years of independence - are a swirl of social change in a country that is aswril in its every moment. When you think "India" you must think of a dance of a billion richly colored veils. Ms. Mehta plucks veil after veil from the dance and by describing the veil she describes India. It's a remarkable achievement, and a real insiders view into the politics, arts, and life of an extremely complex nation. Ms. Mehta captures India in a short 220 pages and in doing so presents a view that other authors might take volumes to display. Highly, highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Another wonderful addition to our children's bookcase
Great Graphics and Twisty Plot
Alternative Ending
Read what the Washington Post says...

Stanley Mows the Lawn (Stanley)
Craig Frazier
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0811848469

Book Description

One day, Stanely sets out to mow his lawn. Up and back, up and back, there's only one way to do it...or is there? Renowned graphic designer and illustrator Craig Frazier has combined bold, dynamic illustrations with a simple story that celebrates the imagination and the art of looking at the world in your own way.

Customer Reviews:

Another wonderful addition to our children's bookcase.......2007-07-20

I bought "Stanley Goes For a Drive" in a discount box at a grocery store and it has turned out to be one of the kids' favorites, so when I saw "Stanley Mows the Lawn" I bought it without even reading it first. The kids love the bold colors and the different ways of looking at the same scene. It is changing the way they look at things and even the way they draw objects around them. It was also a reminder to me, as their mother, that we don't always see things the same way and it pays to get down on their level and look around every now and then.

Great Graphics and Twisty Plot.......2005-12-31

Famed graphic designer Craig Frazier draws massive but simple geometrical shapes, muscular outlines, and flattened but textured backgrounds that show off Stanley, the protagonist of this book and the earlier "Stanley Goes for a Drive." Frazier chose pleasing shades of computer-generated green for `Lawn,' as opposed to the somewhat ugly, almost sickening brown that predominates in `Drive." As a result, nothing detracts from Frazier's graphic mastery, and he treats the reader to an aesthetic triumph.

Aside from the unexpectedly luminescent green sky, Frazier constantly surprises the reader with his abrupt changes in composition and point of view. The first two-page spread shows Stanley's boots and upper calves only, set against a dark green blades and a low horizon of green sky with milky white clouds. Turn the page and you see all of Stanley, but he's a small figure in the upper left corner of a page that shows a gigantic textured green lawn. A spray of cut leaves arches over Stanley's small but powerful figure, framing and defining him. Finally, the next two-page illustration shows a close profile of Stanley mowing, with his oversized, powerful legs and arms, and a determined look on his face as his black and gold mover cut a swath almost as deep as his boots. These varied, imaginative illustrations make for a very appealing and magnetic book, especially for those interested in or drawn this bold style of illustration.

Yes, there's a plot, too. It's simple but clever. It coordinates with the pictures but takes a back seat to them. As Stanley mows his deep straight furrows, he sees a friendly long green snake ("Hank") slithering between the cut and uncut sections. Taking a clue from Hank's curvy, twisting shape, we read:

"Stanley had an idea. Stanley zigged. And Stanley zagged. When Stanley finished mowing, he looked at the lawn. He liked it. And so did Hank."

We see overhead and straight-on views of Stanley's lawn sculpture: Instead of one even plane, the lawn alternates cut and uncut rows of undulating green, suggesting breaking waves or a chorus line of snakes. Craig Frazier's varied, imaginative illustrations and spare but complementary story make for a very appealing and compelling book, especially for those interested in or drawn to this bold style of illustration.

Alternative Ending.......2005-08-26

This is truly a fun book. Beautifully illustrated. Unique. It challenged my imagination thus:

As Stanley was mowing his tall lawn
Mr. Snake was apparently not gone.
As the mower grew near
Mr. Snake could not hear
And forever became part of the lawn.

I think Craig Fraizier's book will inspire you too.

Read what the Washington Post says..........2005-04-27

Another wonderful book from Frazier. But don't take my word for it... here's what the reviewer said in the Washington Post: "Stanley's an ordinary fellow with an extraordinary imagination. Last year, readers may recall, he went for a drive, which wasn't much fun until a glimpse of some cows by the roadside gave him a life-altering idea. Here he sets out to mow the lawn, which also proves a grind -- just "up and back, up and back, up and back" -- until an encounter with Hank the shade-loving, zigzagging snake sparks another bright notion. Grass clippings fly on grass-green pages, and the perspective switches fittingly back and forth as Stanley carves out a lawn that suits them both."

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Anacondas (World's Largest Snakes)
Valerie J. Weber
Manufacturer: Gareth Stevens Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 0836836537

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