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 fact, 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, 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, SFC Book Reviews

More than Just Facts—Making Nonfiction Fun!

Thank your for your interest in my author presentations to schools and libraries. I have programs to fit every age group and grade level. "Tales from the Sonoran Desert" is designed for primary grade students. I use multimedia, puppets and props to do animated readings for younger children—pre-school, kindergarten, or primary and intermediate elementary grade students. Allow at least 45 to 60 minutes for this presentation. I select readings from my growing list of award-winning picture books, including: Gator, Gator, Second Grader, Monster in the Rocks, The Bat Book, Fang and Stinger (An Arachnid Tale), Arizona Way Out West and Wacky!, Rattlesnake Rules, Desert Night Shift (A Pack Rat Story), or one of many other stories. 

For older students or for in-service teacher seminars, I offer "More Than Just the Facts—Making Nonfiction FUN!", my 60-minute, 90-minute, or 2-hour writing workshop. The workshop is focused on the craft of writing nonfiction for young readers, complete with writing exercises for all participants. "Read Me a Story: Cultivating the Art of Listening" is my workshop devoted to promoting the importance of reading aloud to pre-readers. 

Since 1994, I've completed more than 1,500 author presentations and writing workshops for more than 1 million students in 17 states. I've presented to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and to adult audiences as well. My presentations work well for readers ages 4 to 94...and beyond. My new career goal is to complete presentations for 2 million students. I am getting closer to that goal with each new school visit.

My presentations work best in a library setting. Three or four classes maximum (75-125 students) allows for better interaction with the children. However, I have presented to entire schools (K-8) in an auditorium setting. I use a laptop and LCD projector for most talks.

If you are interested in having books available for pre-sale beforehand or on sale the day of my visit, please contact me at (480) 250-9071 or email me at cstorad@cox.net. As part of each visit, I donate several autographed books to your school's library.