This is an ideal book to guide readers when choosing a pet. It takes them window shopping through a variety of small animals--ants, caterpillars, hermit crabs, ladybugs, millipedes, tarantulas, etc. The Fast Facts box that accompanies a large picture of each animal provides basic information on scientific name, cost, and care. Then the authors explore its history and biology. Readers will find out that certain critters may require more care than they can give. Others may need more space than they have available. Still others should never be considered as pets--they may be wild and will survive best in their natural habitats. Alvin and Virginia Silverstein, and their daughter Laura Silverstein Nunn, have written many successful books. Alvin is a biology professor at the College of Staten Island, and Virginia is a translator of Russian scientific literature.