Reptiles Rock: October 17th is Reptile Awareness Day!

If your interest in animals leans more to the scaly and slimy than cute and cuddly (although a mama alligator carrying her baby in her wide open jaws or large snout is pretty cute, as long as its in a picture!), take heart: October 17th is definitely a RAD day for alligator admirers, snake supporters, and affiliates. To celebrate Reptile Awareness Day, let's look at a handful of our reptile-themed reads:

There are many version of Aesop's fable about the arrogant hare and the steadfast tortoise, but Helen Ward's The Hare and the Tortoise remains my favorite for read-aloud purposes.

I Don't Like Snakes introduces us to a little girl who doesn't like snakes; unfortunately, her parents keep snakes as pets! Luckily, she learns that snakes are super cool...and super important!

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile was first published in 1965 and remains quite popular! After a cranky neighbor puts Lyle in a zoo, he has a change of heart after Lyle rescues him from a fire.

National Audubon Society First Field Guide: Reptiles is a must for budding herpetologists. Young naturalists will learn about subspecies, diet, behavior, and other characteristics of reptiles familiar and uncommon.

Sea Turtle Scientist is part of the outstanding Scientists in the Field series, which introduces readers to scientists and laypeople working together to save animals and habitats.  Sea Turtle Scientist follows Dr. Kimberly Stewart as she works to ensure the survival of sea turtles.

Nic Bishop's books are unlike any other nature books out there; he has an amazing knack for in-depth photography and writing that grabs both reluctant and voracious readers. Snakes is a must read for those curious about what makes a snake poisonous, how they hunt, and more.

Looking for some awesome websites for young reptile experts?

The Virginia Herpetological Society has great identification resources for Virginia reptiles (click on "Animals").

National Geographic's reptile section is also a fine resource.


Jennifer Schultz, Youth Services Librarian, Fauquier County Public Library