We live in the suburbs and sometimes this makes it easy to forget that out there, beyond the skyscrapers and asphalt there is a primitive desert. We visit the desert and the mountains often year round and summer is the time we sit down with the children and talk to them about the animals whose habitat we are entering. One of the most discussed is the rattlesnake.
In 2000 I had a Supervisor whose husband was bitten by a baby rattlesnake. It was horrific and he calls it a “near death” experience. I never want my children to go through anything like his experience. I’m a native Utahn and can’t say that I’ve ever seen a rattlesnake in the wild, but that’s not to assume they aren’t there.
Thanks to Conrad J. Storad, popular children’s author and science writer, we’ve all bee introduced to the amazing world of rattlesnakes. His writing is entertaining and at times, poetic:
“Animals learn rules by living They have no books or schools Please pay attention to this story For even rattlesnakes have rules”
“A lot of people think snakes are creepy,” says Conrad. “Others find them scary. But when you get to know them, you’ll see how fascinating they really are!”
This has been the go-to book even more so since school is back in session. Even my husband will sit and listen. It’s fascinating learning the diet of a rattlesnake, why the flick their tongues in and out and what the rattle is made of at the end of their tails and why they rattle it.
My children find this book entertaining and I love that they are learning so much about snakes and understanding the value of following rules and respecting nature. The back has a lot of information to review or use as a reading guide. My kiddos use it to test each other!
I recommend this book. It’s a great read with valuable information.
*I received a copy of Rattlesnake Rules in order to facilitate an honest review. The opinions, where expressed, are my own and were in no way influenced by the sponsor. Others experiences may vary.