I have to admit it was the title that caught my eye when I spotted Sneed B. Collard III’s Most Fun Book Ever About Lizards by Sneed B. Collard III at our local library. What middle-grade child can resist a title like that? 
To say Sneed Collard’s book is special is an understatement. First of all, the text is written is a conversational, second person style that is relaxed and friendly. He starts out with “Meet Joe Lizard,” detailing the life of “your average” western fence lizard. Sometimes books that use the second person try too hard to be cool, but this one hits just the right note. I was also impressed with the detail and accuracy of the text.
Second, most of the lavish full-color photographs in the book were taken by the author. This allows the text and images to fit perfectly, plus there’s less chance that the photographs have been misidentified, a real hazard when using stock photographs. The best part is Sneed Collard is a fantastic photographer.
Third, the author reveals a real passion for his topic, and in fact admits a “special love of reptiles” in the author blurb on the book jacket. This love of reptiles has led him to include a section on lizard conservation and also a realistic look at keeping lizards as pets, which he doesn’t encourage for reasons he has obviously thought carefully about.
The bottom line is that Sneed B. Collard III’s Most Fun Book Ever About Lizards is a must-have for budding herpetologists, and an interesting and entertaining read for the rest of us. I am definitely going to pick up a copy for our family (we have been known to wear our local lizards*).
For some lizard science for kids, try Growing with Science
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing (February 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1580893244
ISBN-13: 978-1580893244
(*Note: It was entirely the lizard’s own decision to climb up this person. It was not picked up or handled.)
Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. We invite you to join us. For more information and a schedule, stop by Booktalking to see who is hosting each week.
Today’s round-up is at Ana’s Nonfiction Blog.