Southwest Books of the Year 2010

Thankfully, award-winning science author Storad teams up once again with illustrator Jenson to delight younger readers with another funny yet informative story about another Southwest critter. In rhyme and vibrant color, we learn the rules young rattlesnakes “learn” for hunting, eating and warning; conversely, there are even a few rules for humans to observe. This short rhymed tale concludes with four pages of interesting facts about rattlesnakes and another four pages of “curriculum guide.” Though perhaps not as hilarious as the duos’ prior tales about the desert tortoise, armadillo, and packrat, “Rattlesnake Rules” still charms and informs.

Deb Bock
Pima County Library

Hey Conrad!
Just wanted to let you know that we, Painting With Pat, featured you on our March web page for Read Across America!
Your work is GREAT!

Pat Tracks ENEWS
www.paintingwithpat.org

Award-winning author Conrad J. Storad recently visited Coyote Trail for an all-day author visit. My class went to his presentation, "Fangs and Stingers."...

Storad visits lots of schools, so maybe you'll get the chance to hear one of his presentations and talk to him like I did. He has a great sense of humor, knows a lot about writing and the desert, and makes learning fun.

Harley Galaz
September 18, 2010
Arizona Daily Star

Rattlesnake Rules written by Conrad J. Storad is a wonderful picture book that takes the reader on a fun adventure as mother rattlesnake teaches her little ones about the "rules.”

Written in rhyme this picture book teaches children fun facts about the misunderstood rattlesnake. It also includes a curriculum guide at the end with more fascinating facts, rattlesnake mysteries, myths vs fact, words to learn and other activites.

Rattlesnake Rules is a complete learning tool and is brightly illustrated for even more added fun.

Sandie Lee
June 2, 2010
Imagination-Cafe

Have you ever seen a rattlesnake? Have you ever heard one rattle? Rattlesnakes have gotten a bad reputation over the years, mostly because they are misunderstood. Yes, they do pose a hazard to people, but they are part of God's creation and serve a useful purpose, part of which is eating rats and mice which can carry diseases harmful to humans. Author Conrad J. Storad, a long time resident of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, helps children learn more about these fascinating creatures by presenting in poetic form what a mother rattlesnake might tell her young ones about rules for hunting, eating, and warning, and also rules for humans to keep safe. The eye-catching illustrations by Nathaniel P. Jensen, which remind me of Disney snakes like Kaa of The Jungle Book and Sir Hiss of Robin Hood, help to bring the book alive. Can you guess what a rattlesnake uses its forked tongue for?

Storad, a journalist, has long been fascinated by the diversity of plants and animals that live in the desert. Among his previous 32 science and nature books are Meerkats, the Arizona Book Publishing Association's "Arizona Best Book of 2008;" Don't Call Me a Pig! (A Javelina Story); Desert Night Shift (A Pack Rat Story); Lizards for Lunch (A Roadrunner's Story); and Don't Ever Cross That Road (An Armadillo Story). The back of Rattlesnake Rules contains several pages of "Rattlesnake Fast Facts," "Rattlesnake Fun Facts," "Rattlesnake Mysteries," "Rattlesnake Myths Vs. Facts," "Words to Learn," and a useful "Rattlesnake Rules Curriculum Guide" provided by librarian and teacher Jean Kilker with suggested activities that will help parents and teachers reinforce the material in the book. This is a really neat and fun book that should prove to be a good resource in children's science reading.

Wayne S. Walker
5 stars
SFC Book Reviews

Whether they live in jungles, oceans, or deserts, all living things have rules – including rattlesnakes. Now readers can eavesdrop on a mother rattlesnake as she instructs her baby snakes on the proper way to hunt, swallow prey, and use their rattles to discourage potential enemies like humans. Along the way, readers learn fun facts about rattlesnakes – including their ability to smell with their tongues and swallow prey in one gulp.

Best known for his picture book Don’t Call Me Pig!, which was selected by then-Arizona governor Janet Napolitano as part of her literacy program, science writer Conrad Storad treats his fans to another fun science book for kids that puts the spotlight on the fascinating but frequently misunderstood world of rattlesnakes. [more]

Dec 12, 2009
Michael Jung
Suite101: Science Picture Books for Kids

"Rattlesnake Rules" is a handy explanatory book for children age 8-12 teaching all about rattlesnakes. Written by award-winning children's author and science editor Conrad J. Storad, "Rattlesnake Rules" comes fully illustrated with humorous paintings and also contains a fact list, glossary, and full curriculum guide written by Jean Kilker, a national Board Certified teacher and librarian in Litchfield Park, Arizona. "Rattlesnake Rules" is an excellent guide for young students to promote healthy understanding and respect for the reality of rattlesnakes and techniques and ways to help keep both rattlesnakes and humans safe.

James A. Cox
Midwest Book Review

From a snake's POV

Most people who know me know that I am a book lover who gets true pleasure from reading a book. Most recently, I've begun reading and reviewing more children's books and I've found that I love them just as much. The true perk? Sharing my love of books with my second generation of children.

I received "Rattlesnake Rules" by Conrad J. Storad and read it to my children a few nights ago. This easy-to-read book relays the rules of dealing with rattlesnakes from the snake's point of view. It's genius! I enjoyed the book so much that I've already told three people about it.

My children were really into it as well. It was obvious they liked the book because while I read they asked clarifying questions or pointed out things they noticed and understood. My two middle children absorbed the information about rattlesnakes and also understood the warning to humans regarding what to do if encountering a rattler.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Nathaniel P. Jensen and one of the best features of it is the glossary of information in the back that includes rattlesnake facts, mysteries, myths and vocabulary words along with a curriculum guide.

"Rattlesnake Rules" gets a definite two thumbs up.

Petula Renee Wright
It's a Woman's World

What a pleasure to read RATTLESNAKE RULES. It's interesting how you can create a "family portrait" like this in such simple language and be educational along the way. Plus, you and Nathaniel complement each other wonderfully in your art.

t's just ssssssssensational! Keep em comin.

~Jeff Worley
Award winning poet and author of "Happy Hour at the Two Keys Tavern"
Editor of Odyssey Magazine at The University of Kentucky

This is a very well done story in rhyme about the life of the rattlesnake. The book relays a lot of information in a storybook format that makes it very easy for the young reader to learn without trying. Reluctant readers usually gravitate toward vibrant material like this because it is easier to absorb and get to the end without getting stuck on the first couple of pages. The artwork compliments this work perfectly with its bright colors and fun, animated rattlers. In the back of the book are factual sections about rattlesnakes and some suggested curriculum-based activities.

Quill says: This book would be a zzzzzzz perfect book to read and discuss in the homeschool or classroom setting!

~Feathered Quill Book Reviews

So where does a rattlesnake P.R. guy come from?

Prior to working at ASU, Storad worked as a reporter, editor, and general manager for The Barberton Herald newspaper in northeast Ohio.

Here is what one of his colleagues, Ed Sylvester, Science & Medical Writer, Professor, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University:

"My wife and I are unabashed fans of Conrad Storad, as are the many children to whom we've given his books. What always stands out is how he varies each story not just in topic but with an approach that's right for the critters we meet. That's never more true than in "Rattlesnake Rules." Dozens of fascinating rattler facts are woven into this charming tale, but no two-legger will venture too close after reading the rules."

In Rattlesnake Rules, Conrad believes he demystifies the world of rattlesnakes and introduces children to such topics as who, when, and what rattlesnakes eat. His goal is to show folks why rattlesnakes have rattles and what it means if you hear one. You'll even learn how the snakes' forked tongues help them survive. Sounds like some good water cooler fodder to impress your co-workers."

~Scott Wykoff
WBAL Radio news
Baltimore, Maryland

"Nathaniel Jensen's delightful illustrations capture the beauty and wonder of nature. His renditions of the animal kingdom are done with a good dose of humor and love, suggesting to the viewer that these creatures are to be cared about and respected for the role they play in our world."

~Joseph Hammer
Director of Product Marketing & Licensing Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Austin, Texas

"My wife and I are unabashed fans of Conrad Storad, as are the many children to whom we've given his books. What always stands out is how he varies each story not just in topic but with an approach that's right for the critters we meet. That's never more true than in "Rattlesnake Rules." Dozens of fascinating rattler facts are woven into this charming tale, but no two-legger will venture too close after reading the rules."

~Ed Sylvester
Science & Medical Writer
Professor
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Arizona State University

"Conrad Storad's most recent masterpiece, Rattlesnake Rules!, neatly ties together learning, laughter and love in his tale of a mother and her snakelings. Kids will love the way Conrad entertainingly explains the nature of rattlers in his fun-filled, knowledge-packed story! In addition to being a great read, Rattlesnake Rules! is truly a useful tool for those seeking to learn about the lives of rattlesnakes. As with all of Conrad's previous titles, parents will enjoy reading this to their children, as much as kids will enjoy hearing it or reading it themselves! Rattlesnake Rules will surely bring a smile to any reader's face."

~Michael Moorehead
Author of "The Student From Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster"

"Conrad Storad does it again. He continues to bridge the wonder and curiosity of being a child with the importance of education. The author is equally engaging and entertaining as a guest on my radio show. Rattlesnake Rules is a must for any classroom and an enjoyable book to share with my own young children. Storad's latest will join his other books in our family collection like Don't Call Me Pig, Desert Night Shift and Lizards for Lunch. As an advocate for Arizona, and more importantly as a typical parent, I promise that you will love Rattlesnake Rules. Coil up and enjoy!"

~Dave Pratt
Radio Personality and
Author of "Dave Pratt: Behind the Mic, 30 Years in Radio"

"As a mother of five--who happens to live in rattlesnake territory--it's important for me to teach my children to respect the world around them. What better resource for young children than Conrad Storad's latest picture book, Rattlesnake Rules? Rattlesnake Rules provides children with essential lessons about rattlesnakes and their habitat in a fun and engaging way. And Nathaniel Jensen's illustrations are some of the most vibrant I've ever seen!

Because we do encounter rattlesnakes, literally in our own backyard, my kids need to be aware of how these fascinating but potentially deadly creatures behave. From a very young age, they also need to know how to react appropriately if they see one, and I appreciate Conrad Storad's efforts to lay out the ground rules and provide instruction in a nonthreatening way. To stay safe at our house, we have to review the rattlesnake rules every day!"

~Jennifer S. Christensen
Utah Public Radio/Deseret News correspondent

Conrad J. Storad’s newest book, Rattlesnake Rules, is a highly entertaining and educational window into the world of the much maligned snakes. This book can help change that, for much of our fear about these reptiles has arisen from our ignorance about them. The illustrations by Nathan P. Jensen will bring alive the story for young readers and for the adults fortunate enough to read this book to them. I believe children, parents, teachers, and librarians will agree that Conrad, who has a long list of popular educational children’s books to his credit, has scored a homerun with Rattlesnake Rules.

~Paul M. Howey
Award-winning author of
Freckles: The Mystery of the Little White Dog in the Desert