"This accessible book encourages people to discover the amazing world of snakes, frogs, lizards, turtles, and newts. Emphasis is on "wow" species (colorful, fun), common backyard or easily-seen-on-a-day-hike species, and those species whose stories best reveal the changing face of nature today. All species accounts will have at least two photos, and a few have as many as five. Each entry will begin with a box of essential information to help orient the reader. An introductory chapter will define essential terms; talk about general natural history; discuss natives vs. exotics; provide pointers for viewing reptiles and amphibians; discuss safety (viz., how not to be bitten by snakes); and suggest citizen science projects. Timber's regional field guides have been quite successful; this book will provide more accessible-and interesting-information than a standard-format field guide, while still retaining the appeal of focusing on two fascinating groups of animals"--