Reptiles and Amphibians of Canada.

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Are you having a hard time telling your stinkpot from your five-lined skink? Do you often mistake an eastern newt from a four-toed salamander? Then this new volume from Lone Pine Publishing is just what you need. Like other volumes in the series, this book is set up for both quick species identification and in-depth reading. At the front of the book is a quick reference chart divided into six categories of reptiles and amphibians: turtles, lizards, snakes, other reptiles, salamanders, and frogs and toads. The rest of the book provides in-depth information one species at a time. Each write up describes the distinguishing physical characteristics of the critter, its food, habitat, and geographical range, and whether the animal is endangered or not.

Maps and beautifully detailed full-colour drawings are provided for each individual subject. Especially fascinating facts have their own little sidebar called “Did You Know” that reveal facts, such as telling us that, when threatened, a harmless milk snake will sometimes vibrate its tail in imitation of its more hazardous relative, the rattlesnake.

This book was obviously written by the reptile-positive crowd—who else would describe a baby massassauga rattler is “as cute as button”? A glossary and index are included in the back of the book. Sturdily constructed and small enough to fit into a big jacket pocket, this volume is a perfect reference tool for nature walks and hikes.