The reader follows Bob Mason and his team of "snake scientists" in this exploration about a species of red-sided garter snakes that live in Manitoba, Canada. This illustrated nonfiction book includes high-quality color photographs from the field that instruct the reader on what the field and laboratory of a scientist might look like. And of course, we learn a lot about snakes in general, and this unique species in particular!

Snake Scientist a well-written book for late primary grades because the writing is straightforward and the vocabulary seems controlled. I really like the narration, especially the up-close impression we get of what the scientific method is all about. It's helpful, I think, to know that Bob Mason failed a science aptitude test as a young man. There's a thread in the story about how the reader may choose to do anything s/he wants if s/he is passionate about it.

Really cool book! I'm definitely more knowledgeable about snakes now! ( )

This book is a wonderful book about snakes geared at upper elementary students and beyond. The photographs that accompany the book are eye catchers for young readers. I would recommend this book for children who have an interest in possibly delving further into the world of science or becoming scientist as it includes how the scientist in the book became a scientist. It shows how one has to work hard to become a scientist and the value of taking a childhood interest and making it a life's pursuit. This added feature of a scientist telling his story is a great discussion piece for exploring jobs and talking about taking on different challenges and roles. This book is also fun for students to think about the questions we ask as science is about asking the questions and finding the answers. ( )

this wonderfully photographed educational book about snakes was put together by sy montgomer and photographed by nic bishop. ( )

BEAUTIFUL photographs of snakes. (I can't believe I would say that....lol) but they are so detailed and awesome to look at. Great way to peak interest of young scientists. ( )

This book came in handy because my dad had just gotten a garter snake the other day. The pictures in this book were about average. I didn't see anything that looked too extraordinary, but they got the point across. I definitely learned a fair amount about snakes in this book, but I wish they would have given more individual attention to specific species of snake.