Product Description

Anoles are in virtually every Florida yard, yet few people know much about them. They're mistakenly called chameleons, geckos or skinks. Learn where they came from, where they live, how they establish and defend territories, what they eat, what eats them, why they change color, how they climb up smooth surfaces, how they mate and bear young, and much more. This book is a fantasy based on fact. Ann and Noel are lizards that communicate with a human. Say their names rapidly in succession and you get ... anole. This is a book with an important message, too: How Floridians can help save the native green anole while promoting desirable plant growth.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #478163 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 119 pages

From the Author
In the summer, the lizards can be so thick around homes in Florida you have to be alert and nimble to avoid trampling them on the sidewalk on your way to the front door.

I wondered if the same ones lived in the same spot all the time. Why were most brown, but some black with a back crest, or pale gray? And, occasionally, I would see the lime green ones; they were always my favorite.

As I began to ask around, I found that few folks even knew the name of these lizards. I thought it kind of disrespectful that we had this unrecognized wildlife. So, I began to ask questions of experts. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and, as I kept digging, I found how many interesting things there were to learn about anoles. Later, I realized this story could have a deeper purpose than just creating an awareness, understanding and appreciation--perhaps to help preserve our native Florida anoles for posterity.

Suddenly, seemingly distant topics I had often read or heard about seemed up-front and close. Animals losing their habitat due to hyper-development; invader species of plants or animals crowding out those that belonged here; home and business owners caught in a cycle of harmful lawn worship involving mega-doses of water, fertilizer, and pesticides at the expense of native plants that provide habitat for wildlife.

So, here it is. What I learned, and what you are about to learn. --Steven B. Isham

From the Back Cover
Have you ever wondered about those entertaining little acrobats that leap, lunge and enliven the green spaces around our Florida homes and businesses? Why some are green, brown, gray or black? Why they're bobbing and bouncing and flashing that colorful throat ornament? What they see, and how they climb up slick surfaces like glass?

As close as they are, few of us know much about these neighborly reptiles. Most don't even know their correct name.

"Anoles: Those Florida Yard Lizards" answers every question imaginable about these fascinating critters. Their history, habitat, social behavior, physical makeup, diet, enemies, and more. But it does so in a lighthearted, whimsical way, and with over 30 wonderful illustrations--most in color.

"Refreshing blend of fantasy and informative facts about an animal that too many of us take for granted. ... A book that readers of all ages will enjoy--adults and younsters alike." --Jack Webb, Librarian, University of Central Florida

"Excellent tool to teach the general public about Florida anoles. It's obvious there is a lot of research behind the story." --Neta Villalobos-Bell, Environmental Educator

"Delightfully funny characters. A wonderful job of making learning fun." --Penny Cechman, Science Teacher

This is also a book with a message: What we can all do to help the native Florida green anole survive.

About the Author
Steven B. Isham resides in Orlando and has lived in Florida for over 35 years. A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a BA degree in communications/journalism, he has held a variety of professional writing and marketing positions. This book is the product of personal observations, research, and interviews with specialists who work with anoles and other reptiles.

Customer Reviews

Not just a children's book
I received this book as a gift and thought is was a children's book but discovered that it was full of great descriptions and solid biology. I have always been a big fan of the Anole and was delighted to finally have book with all the details I could wish for. I highly recommend it to anyone regardless of age.

Everything I'd always wanted to know about Anoles!
After living in Florida and around those yard lizards for several decades, I've found a great reference book with delicate illustrations which supplies me with the information no one else seems to provide. This should be mandatory reading for residents of the state; after all, our yards are teeming with a world unexplored. Now I know about the secret lives of anoles and am better able to preserve their habitat.

Great information and Fun for 4th grade and up.
Now this is a book your grandkids can enjoy while visiting you in Florida. We see Anoles every day and the kids always want to know more about them. Put this book in their hands or ead it to them. they will enoy it.