Every spring 18,000 red-sided garter snakes emerge from their eight-month hibernation underground at the Narcisse Wildlife Area in Manitoba, Canada. Scientists such as Bob Mason see this as a prime opportunity for experimentation to try to unlock some of the mysteries of snake behavior. His work will prove intrinsically interesting to many young readers, but it’s made all the more intriguing through Sy Montgomery’s excellent prose and Nic Bishop’s stunning color photographs. Together they describe the basics of Bob Mason’s work with these garter snakes, as well as the ways in which community members get involved to help the scientists out. (Ages 7-11)