Galapagos Tortoises: Long-Lived Giant Reptiles

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

Part of the Comparing Animal Traits series. Readers get an introduction to the two types of Galapagos Tortoises, domes and saddlebacks. As the series title suggests, Galapagos Tortoises are compared to numerous other reptiles from around the world. Some entries include a full page "Compare It!" chart which repeats information from the text and may appeal to more visual students. Some comparisons, such as with the Desert Tortoise, include more similarities than differences. All the reptiles mentioned are included in a final summary chart comparing traits. Loaded with color pictures including close-ups, and "Did You Know" callouts, this title will appeal to browsers. Yet there is enough information to satisfy young report writers.

A general listing of reptile traits is included in the text, yet there is no entry in the glossary for "reptile." Science terms such as "species" and the classification of all the comparison animals as reptiles is not included, which may disappoint some teachers. Although Lonesome George is mentioned in one of the "Did You Know" callouts, his island is not depicted on the map.

Selected Bibliography and Further Information include both book titles and websites. An index and table of contents round out this entry. Curiously, the map is not listed in either the table of contents or the index. Students will need to surmise its location based upon the chapter titles. Overall, a recommended resource for all libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good