Snakes

Appealing photographs are the highlight of these introductory pet books. Simple tips are woven into the text, describing what kids can do for their critters. For instance, in Snakes, “Snakes need to shed. Aidan [a boy] puts out rocks. Jack [a snake] rubs on them.” Names are usually included for both humans and animals: some children are shown in photos, while others are only mentioned in the text, which may challenge budding readers. Not to be confused with care guides, these titles do not include breed details, specific care procedures, and any downsides to pet ownership. Final images show a budding human-animal relationship in an especially endearing pose, supporting the closing comment that pets are cool. VERDICT Consider for preschool collections in need of light, basic pet introductions.