A young boy contemplates the possibility of acquiring a snake for a pet. He is told that a snake needs a terrarium. Otherwise, it will slither throughout the house and may terrorize the neighborhood. A terrarium needs to be prepared with bedding, a branch, a rock, a place to hide, and a water bowl. It also requires a heat lamp to take the place of the sun and keep the snake warm. Snakes eat live animals. Since terrariums are rather small, purchasing frozen animals, such as mice, is recommended. Cages need to be cleaned once a week or they will stink. Snakes like being alone, but it is okay to hold them about once or twice a week. Directions for proper handling are provided. Reviewing the quiz at the end will help the reader to decide on whether or not a snake is a good pet to consider. The colorful cartoonlike illustrations and the question/answer format of much of the text will appeal to youngsters wanting a pet. Titles of books and websites offer resources for further information. Part of the “Do You Really Want a Pet?” series. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.; Ages 6 to 10.
