Lamar celebrates beautiful and unusual reptiles and amphibians in this stunning collection of photographs. The author, an associate herpetologist at both the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History and the National Serpentarium in San Jose, Costa Rica, has studied reptiles and amphibians in Central and South America for many years. A page overview of each group (turtles and tortoises, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, salamanders and newts, caecilians, and frogs) is followed by close-up color photographs showing the animals' vivid colors, beautiful patterns, or unusual forms. A paragraph including common and scientific names, adult size, habitat, range, diet, reproduction, and interesting facts accompanies each photograph. While The Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians (1986), edited by Tim R. Halliday and Kraig Adler, provides a more detailed look at reptile and amphibian biology and natural history, this visual treat is recommended for public libraries for its spectacular photographs.Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., Ill.
