Like a Lizard - by April Pulley Sayre (Hardcover)

About the Book

The attributes of 28 different lizards are revealed, while the story provides a subtle message encouraging children to be true to their own nature. Ideal for STEM, the book includes extensive back matter with further information about featured lizard species. Full color.

Book Synopsis

The attributes of 28 different lizards are revealed in this STEM nonfiction picture book, while the story provides a subtle message encouraging children to be true to their own nature.

The actions of 28 lizard species--the flying dragon that swoops through the air, the shingleback that sticks out its blue tongue to scare predators, the basilisk that can race across the surface of water--invite readers to act like a lizard themselves. The text by noted author April Pulley Sayre asks: "Can you run like a lizard? Sun like a lizard? Bob your head like a lizard?" Featuring brilliantly colorful, textured artwork by illustrator Stephanie Laberis, the book also includes extensive back matter with further information about the featured lizard species--their size, geographical range, why they perform the various actions introduced in the text--as well as details about lizards in general.

Review Quotes

"Sayre spotlights 28 lizards, drawing attention to their most noteworthy behaviors and features. Laberis' brightly colored digital artwork brings these vividly hued creatures to life. Appended with extensive notes on the selected species, this makes a good STEM-themed read-aloud or introduction to herpetology units." -- Booklist

"(C)lever rhyming text...(with) bright, digitally rendered and labeled illustrations...This rhythmic, zippy work is packed with verbs printed in bold-faced type. Valuable not only for reptile enthusiasts but also as a mentor text for students working to expand their own writing vocabularies. A fun and useful purchase that a range of readers will enjoy." - School Library Journal

"Using a series of rhythmic triplets followed by two-syllable lines, Sayre invites young readers and listeners to imagine being a lizard...this text would be a delight for storytime, encouraging imitation. An appealing invitation to look more closely at the world of lizards and a welcome addition to a nature shelf." - Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

April Pulley Sayre is the award-winning author of over 65 books for children, including Vulture View, which received the Geisel Award Honor; Stars Beneath Your Bed (an ALA Notable Book), Eat Like a Bear (an ALA Notable Book), and The Bumblebee Queen, which marked her third win of the John Burroughs Award. Sayre and her husband live in South Bend, Indiana. Visit her at aprilsayre.com.

Stephanie Laberis is a character designer and illustrator, specializing in animation and children's publications. She is the illustrator of multiple picture books, including My Little Golden Book of Sharks, My Little Golden Book of Dinosaurs, and A is for Awful: A Grumpy Cat ABC Book. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit her at stephlaberis.carbonmade.com.