Creatures, Critters & Crawlers of the Southwest
written by April Kopp, reviewed by Nancy J. Reid

This is an engaging book, nice photos, clear text and a pleasant writing style. It is a book both children and adults will enjoy, and learn something new. The author, April Kopp, has clearly researched her topic and I like that she includes some history and folklore surrounding each of the animals she has chosen to highlight. She has also given some insight to what is true, what is blown out of proportion and what is not true, about each of the subject in her book. It is truly time that mankind realized that we are here to share the planet with other animals, not dominate or push them into extinction--and I think this book will help some people get past their prejudices--especially when those prejudices are groundless or based on myth and/or the wrong facts.

I also like that Kopp has not left out insects and that she has incorporated art as well as photography to get her points across. The ‘Creatures, Critters & Crawlers’ she features include Bats, Black Bear, Burros, Burrowing Owls, Centipedes, Cicadas, Cougar, Coyote, Cranes, Cutthroat Trout, Elk, Gila Monster, Jackrabbits, Horny Toad, Prairie Dog, Rattlesnake, Roadrunner, Scorpion, Tarantula, and Turkey Vultures. If you are curious about the animals of the Southwest, or are an animal lover, you will love this book.

‘Creatures Critters & Crawlers of the Southwest’ is written by April Kopp, published by New Mexico Magazine and Distributed by the University of New Mexico Press. To purchase a copy call (800) 249-7737 or visit www.unmpress.com