When people are thinking about pets to own, there are many things to consider.  The differences between reptiles and amphibians and how they have evolved from ancient times are presented first.  General facts are given about snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises, frogs and toads, salamanders and newts, to help prospective buyers to make an informed decision.  Questions to think about (time, space, feeding, handling) and daily care to keep a pet healthy are presented for consideration before one buys a pet.  Some potential problems and challenges are listed.  Because many animals can live 10 to 50+ years, owning a pet can be a huge commitment.  Regular vet visits are encouraged as well.  Included in the back is a glossary, index, three books for further reading are written at a similar reading level, and three internet sites, one from the American Humane Association and two from National Geographic.  This book is an excellent resource and would be a good addition to an elementary library.