Crocodilian Resources

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Beginning Readers

Folwer, A.  Gator or Croc? Children’s Press, a Division of Grolier Publishing Co., Inc. 1996, $19.00
Full color photographs with captions and easy-to-read text guide young readers through an explanation of the differences between alligators and crocodiles.  The book also offers a picture glossary. 

Harris, S. Crocodiles and Alligators. F. Watts, 1980, out of print
This basic book offers a variety of full color illustrations of crocodiles.  It particularly focuses on the variety of methods crocodiles use to hunt their prey and includes a map and a glossary.

Petty, K. Crocodiles and Alligators. F.Watts, 1985, out of print
Crocodiles and Alligators uses full color illustrations to display information about the lives of these reptiles and efforts to conserve their habitats.  The book includes a comprehension questions at the end.

Staub, F.  Alligators. Lerner Publications Company, 1995, $23.93
Clear descriptions of alligator behaviors and simple explanations of scientific terms characterize this engaging narrative.  It includes a glossary, parents’ guide, and numerous photographs of alligators in their natural environments.   

Stone, L. Alligators and Crocodiles Children Press, 1989, $5.50
This book offers young readers an introduction into the world of alligators and crocodiles by providing basic information on their behaviors and habitats.  The book also devotes two chapters to modern threats on the reptiles’ environments.  A glossary and index are provided.

Wallace, K. Imagine You Are a Crocodile. Henry Holt & Company, 1997, $14.95
This picture book invites the child to imagine life as a mother crocodile while she catches a heron, rests on the riverbank, and protects her young from a snake.  The text is accompanied by beautiful watercolors of scenes from a crocodile’s life.

Intermediate Readers

Behlar, J. and Behlar, D. Alligators & Crocodiles. Voyageur Press, Inc. 1998, $16.95
All 23 species of crocodilians - from the five-and one-half-foot Dwarf Caiman of South America to the 23-foot Saltwater Crocodile of Australia - are covered in this book.  There is an especially handy section with species-by-species facts and habitat range maps.  This soft cover book contains dozens of full color photographs, particularly of young reptiles.

Perry, P. The Crocodilians: Reminders of the Age of Dinosaurs. Franklin Watts a Division of Grolier Publishing, 1997, $22.50
“Reminders of the Age of Dinosaurs” traces the history, habitat, and behaviors of crocodilians. It also includes a helpful chart of information on the habitat and appearance of the species of crocodiles, a glossary, maps, and full color photographs. 

Wexo, J. Zoobooks: Alligators and Crocodiles. Wildlife Foundation, Ltd. 1995, $13.95
Part of the Zoobooks series, this volume - informative and generously-illustrated - offers large full color photographs, anatomical diagrams, maps, and information the evolution and life of alligators and crocodiles.

Advanced and Reference

Alderton, D.  Crocodiles & Alligators of the World. Blandford, 1991, $19.95
Fully illustrated with photographs especially taken for this book, Crocodiles & Alligators of the World is a wonderful resource for information on the history and evolution of the different species of crocs and gators.  Range maps and a list of further reading are included.

Ross, C. Crocodiles and Alligators. Facts on File, 1989, $35.00
Perhaps the most comprehensive and well-illustrated volume available on the behavior and habitat of alligators and crocodiles, nearly half of this book is devoted to dynamic photos of behavior and habitat of alligators and crocodiles. Range maps and well-written articles by noted authorities, on a range of topics from mummified Egyptian crocodiles to safety precautions when traveling to alligator infested areas makes this volume not only fascinating, but highly accessible to the full range of gator and croc fans.

Videocassette

“The Ultimate Guide: Crocodiles.” Discovery Channel Video, Discovery Communications, 1999.  (52 minutes), $19.95