An engaging science book for young children ably manages to give all the basic facts about this most fascinating of reptiles without making its subject any cuter or scarier than it really is. From the opening pages where a full-length gator stretches from the end of its tail to the tip of its nose across title page, dedication page and the first double-page spread of text, we know we are in the hands of an artist and scientist who respects his audience as much as he respects his subject. (Ages 3-8)