RATTLESNAKE DANCE

Dewey (Stories on Stone, 1996, etc.) intertwines three autobiographical reminiscences of rattlesnakes and a wealth of snake fact and lore in this thoroughly illustrated book that will appeal to a wide range of readers. In the first of three brief chapters, she retells the compelling story of how she was bitten by a rattlesnake when she was nine, and survived—an incident so vividly rendered that it will make a fine read-aloud. Also included are reflections on a Hopi snake dance she attended as a child, and her observation of two rattlesnakes battling in the desert years later. The narrative is illustrated with colored pencil; there are copious, detailed diagrams and spot drawings in the sidebars. The text in these is precise and scientific, if difficult: ``Some venoms [sic] have a gyrotoxic effect, which causes prey to twist and spin in chaotic circles.'' A map of the US indicates states in which the 17 species of rattlesnake live. Interesting and attractive. (Picture book/nonfiction. 6-10)