Introduces readers to this cold-blooded group of animals, from the enourmous Galapagos giant tortoise to the legless glass lizard. Also examines the strangest of creatures, such as the tunnel-dwelling worm lizard and the more familiar saltwater crocodiles, loggerhead turtles, and cobras.

Diverse and numerous -- Reptile bodies -- When reptiles ruled -- Skin, scales, and claws -- Reptilian senses -- Colours and camouflage -- On the hunt -- Mating, eggs, and young -- Turtles and tortoises -- Lizards galore -- Slithering snakes -- Crocs and gators -- Worm lizards -- Reptiles on dry land -- Forest reptiles -- River and swamp reptiles -- Reptiles at sea -- Reptiles in danger -- Animal classification -- Animal phyla.