FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Barbara Kennedy

Would you be interested in meeting, from a safe distance, a group of animals called crocodilians? This group, which includes alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gharial, has lived on earth for more than 200 million years. Although relatives of the dinosaurs, crocodilians used to be considered reptiles, but are now thought to be more closely related to birds. Their anatomy makes them well suited for living in and around the water. Crocodilian eyes, ears, and noses are set high on the head so they can track their prey as they swim near the surface. Gliding slowly and having skin that is a dark gray, brown, or green, the crocodilian looks like a floating log. Adults eat fish, turtles, frogs, rodents, zebra, deer, and rarely, humans. Humans are a bigger threat to them, though, and many types of crocodilians have been on the brink of extinction. Historically, they have been killed for their meat and skins, and more recently, human encroachment on their habitat and pollution are problems for the crocodilians. Nature lovers may find a soft place in their heart for these creatures when they learn about the important role they play on earth. Included are bibliographical references, an index, online sites, and organizations that help crocodilians. Part of the "A True Book" series. 2003, Children's Press,