Manana, Iguana
A fun spin on The Little Red Hen, only this time the story is about a party-planning reptile. Iguana has a long list of tasks that need to be completed and it's going to take a group effort to pull off the celebration. Unfortunately, Tortuga, Culebra, and Conejo each have various excuses as to why they cannot help. When the day of the party arrives, Iguana refuses to allow the trio to join in the festivities. After the party is over, the friends come up with a plan to repair their friendship and make things right with Iguana.
Fascinating Kids' Iguana Books
Iguanas are incredibly intricate creatures with anatomical structures that help them survive in tough environments for very long periods of time. Part of the reptile species, they can swim like just crocodiles and alligators, but they prefer to live high in tree canopies. For the most part, they only descend to mate or lay eggs. Highly developed claws allow them to easily scale the tallest trees. They usually do not fall unless temperatures drop and they become comatose, causing their grip to loosen. When this does happen, iguanas normally do not get injured. The best kids' iguana books share all of the incredible ways these creatures navigate their natural habitat and the environment they require to survive as pets at home.
More Children's Books About Pets
I Wanna Iguana
A humorous exchange between a boy and his mother details their arguments in favor of and against adopting a pet iguana. A determined child has done his homework, and is armed with all kinds of information about how to care for a baby reptile. His weary mother can only imagine the small green lizard growing into a pet too big to handle. The back and forth debate continues, peppered with funny retorts and some helpful iguana facts. Kids will be curious to find out who wins.
Iguanas
An excellent non-fiction book about iguanas filled with amazing photography. All of the anatomical detail is on full display for kids to explore. Young readers will learn what iguanas like to eat and all about their natural habitats. This highly informative book is packed with definitions and facts about how these big lizards socialize, survive, reproduce, and thrive. There is also some fun trivia, like how they can drop from high in the trees without a single scratch or injury. For added engagement, a North American folktale is shared.
Iguana Be a Dragon
It would be pretty cool to be an iguana, but the character in this story doesn't see it this way. He has a distorted view of himself and believes his strengths fall short compared to all the other animals in his neighborhood. Using a little creativity, the iguana tries to become a big, fire-breathing dragon. Along this journey of self-discovery, he learns to embrace everything that makes him special. A fantastic book with a valuable lesson about being true to yourself.
Bringing Back the Blue Iguana
The blue iguana once thrived on the Grand Cayman island in the Caribbean Sea. When people started visiting the island, the species started dying off due to loss of habitat and introduction of non-native predators to the island. An initiative was established to restore the population of the blue iguana, the largest and one-time prolific reptile inhabitant.
Mabel's Topsy-Turvy Homes
Mabel's life is turned upside down when her parents get divorced. She now splits her time between two different homes. Furthermore, Mabel is feeling upset and anxious about her family that is forever changed. When it is her turn to take care of the class pet, an iguana, Mabel learns that maybe having multiple homes isn't so bad after all.
Rica Baptista: Llamas, Iguanas, and My Very Best Friend
Rica has just learned that her best friend is moving. Laini will not be easily replaced, but a new pet may just help with Rica's loneliness once her friend is gone. The only problem is that her parents are not supportive of bringing an animal into the home. Rica has proposed adding a pet llama, kinkajou, or iguana to the mix, none of which her parents will allow. So the bright and determined girls craft a plan to make Rica's dream come true. A heartwarming story of friendship, persistence, and iguanas.
Day of the Iguana
Hank Zipzer is procrastinating again. He has a big science report due tomorrow. Although he likes learning about science, he does not like to write reports. So he turns on the TV instead and tries to get lost in some good shows. Pretty soon Hank has accidentally stumbles upon the perfect science experiment for his report when he takes apart the cable box. Then his sister's pet iguana lays eggs inside the exposed box. Hank has to figure out how to get out of this catastrophe before his TV watching is ruined permanently. A fun, fast-paced chapter book for kids who are ready to move up from picture books.
The New Girl....and Me
For every kid who has ever started at a brand new school or struggled with making friends, this story provides just the right inspiration. Shakeeta and Mia form a special bond over a shared interest in a pet iguana. They stick together when the mean girls exclude them from a soccer game and deal with other social conflict. Simple, sweet, and reassuring story with a message that will resonate with lots of school-age children.
The Unpetables
Short chapters and plentiful illustrations are a winning combination for kids making the leap from picture books. A pig and iguana are sick and tired of living in the captive environment of a petting zoo. They hatch plans to escape from all the curious onlookers and hit the streets in search of a better life free of constant petting.
The Lollipop Book Club is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Fantastic Children's Iguana Books
Iguanas are over-sized lizards that are fascinating to watch in close environments. Little reptile enthusiasts will enjoy reading children's iguana books that include both non-fiction titles full of facts as well as fictional stories about these interesting creatures. Iguanas are often misrepresented in children's stories, often behaving as lovable pets and companions. The reality is that they do not like to be held, touched, or otherwise in physical contact with humans. Before buying a pet, make sure to read your kids some non-fiction iguana books so that your family has a more accurate understanding of what to expect when caring for a small reptile.
Iguana Facts for Kids
Kids who are fascinated with these long-bodied lizards will be interested in learning everything about iguanas. These popular pets can live for a very long time when cared for properly at home. They are better suited for older children who are responsible enough to handle them properly and take care of their needs. Here are some interesting facts kids will want to know before deciding to adopt a pet iguana.
- Iguanas know their owners. Although these lizards do not offer the same level of companionship and recognition as other types of pets, they absolutely do respond to their caretakers. Iguanas have keen vision and an uncanny ability to recognize sounds. While they will not respond to someone calling to them, iguanas can distinguish between different voices.
- Iguanas sometimes lose their tails. This is a survival tactic for iguanas who are snagged by predators in the wild. The muscles between the vertebrae allow for a clean break of the tail, which often grows back if the iguana is healthy. Pet iguanas make snap off their tail if it somehow gets caught on something or prevents them from moving freely. It may be worth having a veterinarian examine the pet to make sure medical intervention is not required.
- Iguanas require high temperatures to survive. These reptiles are ectotherms, meaning that their body temperature is dependent on the surrounding environment. For iguanas, the ideal range is mid-70s to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Pet owners will want to be sure the glass enclosures are fitted with ceramic or mercury bulbs to provide sufficient heat. When the temperature is too low, immune systems will fail and metabolism will slow to dangerous levels.
- Iguanas frequently shed their skin. Multiple times every year, iguanas will go through a process of eliminating their outer skin layer. When this occurs, the skin will turn dull and iguanas will often rub up against nearby objects to help scrape it off. If you notice a pet iguana sitting still with its eyes squeezed shut, take note of its body. It will likely look a bit puffier as this also helps the iguana shed its skin.
- Iguanas are herbivores. Animal proteins are extremely harmful for an iguana's kidneys, so meat should not be incorporated into the diet. To keep a pet iguana healthy, dark leafy greens are recommended. Iguanas also can benefit from other vegetables like snap peas, peppers, carrots, and squash.
What You Need to Know About Owning an Iguana
Taking on a pet iguana may seem like a fairly easy task, especially when comparing the care associated with animals that roam free around the house, like dogs and cats. Unfortunately, many iguana owners learn too late that the responsibilities are greater and more costly than expected. It is important to do a lot of research before bringing a small reptile into the home. Remember, these animals are not meant to be domesticated, so there are very specific conditions that must be met in order for them to live long and healthy lives.
- Iguanas do not like to be touched. Unlike other pets that welcome the human touch, iguanas feel intense levels of stress when handled. Do not be misled into thinking that an iguana can learn to enjoy a nice pat on the back. Petting an iguana may result in a good whip by the tail.
- Iguanas are diurnal, which means they rise with the sun. Most reptiles are nocturnal, but iguanas keep the same schedule as their human owners. This is a benefit for kids who will enjoy observing iguanas scamper and play during daytime hours.
- Iguanas are expensive pets to acquire and maintain. In addition to the cost of the lizard, the large glass enclosure it requires is not cheap. Furthermore, iguanas need to live in a temperature controlled environment with costly bulbs to provide heat and light. And then there is the heft price tag of seeking care from exotic veterinarians since the normal doctors don't usually treat reptiles.
- Iguanas take up a lot of space in the house. Full-sized iguanas can grow to almost 72 inches, or six feet long, and reach up to 20 pounds. The terrarium needs to be large enough for this huge lizard to move and play comfortably. If not, the pet iguana's health and wellbeing will be jeopardized.
- Iguanas are a long-term commitment. These hearty reptiles can live to be twenty years old when cared for properly. With the proper diet and environment, iguanas in captivity can thrive for two whole decades.
- Iguanas can eat food from your refrigerator or back yard. There is no need to shop for gourmet feed, live crickets, or other gross specimens to feed a pet iguana. They are herbivores, so any leafy greens or vegetables will do just fine. You can even pick flowers from outside to feed these plant-loving animals.
More Books for Kids Who Love Animals
Perky Children's Books About Turkeys
Beautiful Kids' Books About Peacocks
Precious Children's Books About Pigs
