Who Lives in an Alligator Hole?

Be the first to write a review

Overview

Scientists consider alligators a "keystone species"—the most important animal in their habitat. Without the alligator, many animals dependent on the gator would become extinct. Read and find out about how alligators are much more than big jaws and sharp teeth!

Describes the habitats of these reptiles which scientists call a "keystone species" because they change the environment for their own use in a way that helps many other ...

See more details below
This Hardcover is Not Available through BN.com
See All Options
Note: Kids' Club Eligible. See More Details.
Sending request ...

More About This Book

Overview

Scientists consider alligators a "keystone species"—the most important animal in their habitat. Without the alligator, many animals dependent on the gator would become extinct. Read and find out about how alligators are much more than big jaws and sharp teeth!

Describes the habitats of these reptiles which scientists call a "keystone species" because they change the environment for their own use in a way that helps many other plants and animals.

Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

Children's Literature - Barbara L. Talcroft
What an outstanding addition to the "Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science" series for early readers! Deftly, in words and pictures, the Rockwells (mother and daughter) introduce young scientists to alligator origins and habits, focusing on the reptile's pivotal place in its southeastern American environment. The fascinating text relates how alligators open a whole ecosystem for plants and animals by digging their gator holes in damp muck. As the hole fills with underground water, fish and insects come to life, attracting birds, who drop seeds; soon the gator hole is teeming with life, beautifully portrayed in gouache and colored-pencil paintings of the birds (gallinules, egrets, ibises, anhingas) and other creatures like raccoons, garfish, turtles, and snakes. Equally absorbing is the story of the near-extinction and recovery of the once-endangered reptile, and the plan to restore its Everglades habitat. (Readers also learn that Chinese alligators, discovered only a hundred years ago, are now endangered.) Lizzy Rockwell makes the alligator's plight visible for young readers by picturing an exhibit of 1925 fashions featuring alligator shoes, hatbox, and handbags; another painting depicts a yellow bulldozer destroying a gator hole while a billboard advertises, "Coming Soon! Alligator Gables." The story ends with children painting a two-page "Save the Alligators" mural, and a challenge to young environmentalists: "Can you think of ways to save the Chinese alligator, too?" This is a fine example of dedicated and talented collaborators creating a well-researched science book that's also an engaging work of children's literature. (Kids will enjoy exploring the artist's website atwww.lizzyrockwell.com.)
School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-Introductory titles with an environmentalist point of view. The first book offers facts about alligators and their habitat, followed by discussions of why they began to disappear, how their environment changed, and what has been done to save American alligators. Readers are asked to think of ways to save those in China, which continue to be endangered. An activity is included. Ice Caps discusses the need for balance in nature, the greenhouse effect, and what can be done to help combat global warming. In both books, the information is detailed, but not overwhelming. However, the absence of chapters might hinder their use for reports. Colorful illustrations provide details that support the texts.-Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Rockwell's latest Let's Read and Find Out introduces readers to alligators and the role they play in their habitat. While she also addresses the positive and negative ways people have had an impact on the alligator population over the years, her focus is on alligator holes-places where alligators have thrashed through the damp muck overlying a limestone pit, which then fills with underground water. In these watering holes, dormant fish and insects lay their eggs, attracting the animals that feed on them. Birds drop the seeds that grow to provide food and shelter for even more. By changing the habitat for its own use, the alligator has helped other species survive, so it's called a keystone species. A non-reading child would be able to get much of the text's information from Lizzy Rockwell's pictures alone. Her lifelike (and labeled) illustrations could be used to identify animals in the wild. A follow-up activity demonstrates how alligator holes provide water in the dry season. Finally, a list of gator facts is provided. A good introduction to alligators, reptiles and endangered species. (Nonfiction. 5-9)
Read More Show Less

Product Details

Meet the Author

Anne and Lizzy Rockwell have collaborated on all the Mrs. Madoff books and Who Lives in an Alligator Hole? Anne is the author of Brendan and Belinda and the Slam Dunk!; Why Are the Ice Caps Melting?; and Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth. Lizzy is the author-illustrator of Good Enough to Eat; The Busy Body Book; and Hello Baby! Both Anne and Lizzy live in Connecticut.

Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
( 0 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(0)

4 Star

(0)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
    If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
    Why is this product inappropriate?
    Comments (optional)