Show-Me Herps! <small> by John Miller, (Photos) Steve Buchanan </small>

While I am one of those individuals who over the past few years certainly have had issues with the Missouri Conservation Commission, I certainly cannot fault them for their publications. I have yet to run across one, and I have used most of them, that I did not find extremely useful; or at the very least, downright helpful. This little booklet is no exception and as a matter of fact is one of the most delightful of their publications in recent years.

For those of you familiar with the format and quality of Show-Me Bugs, you will be delighted that this book is of the same quality and is just as stunning visually.

Now I must confess to being a very enthusiastic fan of the illustrator of both of these books; Steven Buchanan. In my opinion he is one of the best, if not the best, illustrator of wildlife practicing his art today. More about that later.

This 152 page book includes pictures and addresses 18 of the 43 species of amphibians found in Missouri and 32 of the 69 species of reptiles. This is a pretty good representation of what we have to offer in this state, but do be aware that this is not a complete comprehensive field guide to all of the species which inhabit our area. It was not meant to be. There are many, many other publications which do quite a nice job of this.

No, this is a wonderful introduction to the amphibians and reptiles in Missouri. While it certainly falls into the category of "basic," it would be a mistake to think of it as only a book for children. This work is what I like to refer to as a "seed book." It is so well done, and gives so many little interesting facts, that it is bund to plant seeds of curiosity into anyone reading it and encourage them to expand their knowledge via observation (something this book stresses) and further reading. Like anything else, it is easier to learn; to develop a life long interest in anything, by first taking baby step and not allow yourself or your children to become overwhelmed.

Anyway, after a wonderful introduction to the world of Herps, each featured species is given two pages, facing each other. One page includes a picture, the other a short text which includes species name, habitat and interesting facts. The text is very well done, easy to read, accurate and informative.

Now more about the art work. Steve Buchanan's illustrations are of the types that appear, at first glance, to be actual photograph. I have never seen critters drawn, colored and presented in such a realistic fashion as offered here. Each animal simply jumps from the page. The printing and reproduction quality, on slick paper, is the best. You can spend literally hours just looking at the pictures in this book. They go beyond illustrations into the realm of fine art.

This is an ideal book go give to your child and grandchild and is ideal to use in nature study for both the young and the not so young. I grant you that I would be nice to have a book of this quality covering each and every species; indeed, even subspecies, but perhaps this will be coming down the line in the future.

This is certainly one you will want to add to your natural history library.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Show-Me Herps!