Uh-oh! Was that a rattle I heard? Maybe it was a rattlesnake just following the rules. Rules? Rattlesnakes have rules? "Animals learn rules by living They have no books or schools Please pay attention to this story For even rattlesnakes have rules" Popular children’s author and science writer Conrad J. Storad introduces us to the amazing world of rattlesnakes. “A lot of people think snakes are creepy,” says Conrad. “Others find them scary. But when you get to know them, you’ll see how fascinating they really are!” Learn how, what, and when rattlesnakes eat. Why they flick their tongues in and out. And why they have rattles on the ends of their tails. If these babies shake their rattles, you’d better pay attention! New book helps children learn about rattlesnakes Much maligned primarily because they are too often misunderstood, rattlesnakes have gotten a bad rap over the years. Conrad J. Storad, an award-winning author of more than 30 science and nature books for young readers, wants to do something about that. In his just released book, Rattlesnake Rules, Conrad demystifies the world of rattlesnakes and introduces children to such topics as who, when, and what rattlesnakes eat. He shows readers why rattlesnakes have rattles and what it means if you hear one. You will learn how the snakes’ forked tongues help them survive. The delightful and colorful illustrations of Nathaniel P. Jensen help bring the story alive. A long-time resident of the Sonoran Desert, Conrad has long been fascinated by the diversity of animals and plants that call the desert home. Some of his earlier titles are Saguaro Cactus, Tarantulas, Sonoran Desert A to Z, Gila Monsters, Don’t Call Me Pig! (A Javelina Story), Desert Night Shift (A Pack Rat Story), Lizards for Lunch (A Roadrunner’s Tale), and Life in the Slow Lane (A Desert Tortoise Tale). Conrad is the director of the Office of Research Publications at Arizona State University where he edits the nationally award-winning ASU Research Magazine. He is also the founding editor of Chain Reaction, an award-winning science magazine written for young readers. Rattlesnake Rules, by Conrad J. Storad (ISBN: 978-1-58985-161-0), nonfiction, hardcover, is published by Little Five Star, a division of Five Star Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 6698, Chandler AZ 85246-6698.  The book sells for $16.95 and will be available through Ingram and Baker & Taylor.  To schedule an interview or school visit with the author, please Linda F. Radke at (480) 940-8182.     Excerpt Rules? Rattlesnakes have rules? "Animals learn rules by living They have no books or schools Please pay attention to this story For even rattlesnakes have rules"

Professional Reviews
Rattlesnake Rules
"My wife and I are unabashed fans of Conrad Storad, as are the many children to whom we've given his books. What always stands out is how he varies each story not just in topic but with an approach that's right for the critters we meet. That's never more true than in "Rattlesnake Rules." Dozens of fascinating rattler facts are woven into this charming tale, but no two-legger will venture too close after reading the rules."

~Ed Sylvester
Science & Medical Writer
Professor
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Arizona State University

So where does a rattlesnake P.R. guy come from?
Prior to working at ASU, Storad worked as a reporter, editor, and general manager for The Barberton Herald newspaper in northeast Ohio.

Here is what one of his colleagues, Ed Sylvester, Science & Medical Writer, Professor, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University:

"My wife and I are unabashed fans of Conrad Storad, as are the many children to whom we've given his books. What always stands out is how he varies each story not just in topic but with an approach that's right for the critters we meet. That's never more true than in "Rattlesnake Rules." Dozens of fascinating rattler facts are woven into this charming tale, but no two-legger will venture too close after reading the rules."

In Rattlesnake Rules, Conrad believes he demystifies the world of rattlesnakes and introduces children to such topics as who, when, and what rattlesnakes eat. His goal is to show folks why rattlesnakes have rattles and what it means if you hear one. You'll even learn how the snakes' forked tongues help them survive. Sounds like some good water cooler fodder to impress your co-workers."

~Scott Wykoff
WBAL Radio news
Baltimore, Maryland


zzzzzzz perfect book to read and discuss in the homeschool or classroom setting!
This is a very well done story in rhyme about the life of the rattlesnake. The book relays a lot of information in a storybook format that makes it very easy for the young reader to learn without trying. Reluctant readers usually gravitate toward vibrant material like this because it is easier to absorb and get to the end without getting stuck on the first couple of pages. The artwork compliments this work perfectly with its bright colors and fun, animated rattlers. In the back of the book are factual sections about rattlesnakes and some suggested curriculum-based activities.

Quill says: This book would be a zzzzzzz perfect book to read and discuss in the homeschool or classroom setting!

~Feathered Quill Book Reviews

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