Amphibians and Reptiles--An Introduction to Their Natural History and Conservation is targeted for children from fifth to eighth grade (and older) readers, and to those who have an interest in amphibians and reptiles. Teachers will find considerable information relevant to science standards for grades 5 through 8. This book is unique because it also includes information on conservation. The book is written in a clear yet informal style with authority and enthusiasm, which is informative but not dry, and begins with a lively discussion of the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles--how they are similar and different from each other, their life histories, feeding behavior, defense, and amazing reproductive behaviors. Numerous high-quality, professionally generated color and black and white photographs accompany the text, along with illustrations of the greenhouse effect, food-web diagram, wetlands diagram, pie charts, and several cartoons. Next the reader learns that many populations of amphibians and reptiles are disappearing from around the world. We should care about these declines for scientific, ecosystem, aesthetic, economic, and ethical reasons. Humans cause most current extinctions either directly or indirectly.

Thoroughly up-to-date with new information, the book includes a synthesis of the conservation status of amphibians and reptiles and what is being done to mitigate declines. Easy to read tables and graphs of amphibian and reptile declines help to illustrate this information. Another section of the book focuses on people's perceptions of amphibians and reptiles. Because people are more likely to protect animals viewed as positive, attitudes need to change. People protect amphibians and reptiles in many ways, from helping animals cross roads safely, to reestablishing populations in the wild, to protecting the environment. The final chapter of the book offers suggestions for what kids can do--and not do--to help amphibians and reptiles. The backmatter will include a glossary, along with a list of additional resources, a list of conservation organizations, and place names based on amphibians and reptiles (i.e.

, Snake Hollow, OH; Alligator Bayou, LA; Turtlefoot Lake, SD; etc.), and an index.