This book has been a favorite of mine as a teacher for many years. Children are fascinated by the story, and love it when Baby Rattlesnake cries!

Richard Green has captured the spirit of independence and the Native American in this fabulous collection of pages from Te Ata's diary and notes from her husband Clyde Fisher.

Baby rattlesnake wants a rattle and waon't stop crying until he gets it. Unfortunately he isn't mature enough to use his rattle responsibly. Disaster ensues. Both parents and children will love this book. The illustrations are beautiful and all families will relate to the story. Its a great read aloud book and is available in both Spanish and English.

Many preschoolers will certainly relate to the main character's recognizable struggles with self-control and aggressive urges. Baby Rattlesnake wants a rattle of his own even though his family and all the other snakes know he's not old enough to respect the rules of rattling. His troubles begin when the community's elders finally let him have a rattle and he ventures forth in the dessert to scare someone with it. Unfortunately, he picks the WRONG human, with laugh-out-loud results. The story is told nonsentimentally in simple, crisp prose by Native American author Te Ata, a professional storyteller. In addition to being bright and appealing, the Southwestern-influenced illustrations can be used to teach colors, patterns and shapes. A unique, quality picture book that deserves a wider audience. Brief depictions of Native Americans are positive and non-stereotyping.