NEW AND UPDATED TITLES FROM AVS

The Advanced Vivarium Systems (AVS) series has proven over the years to be among the most popular, best-selling, and informative reptile care series ever printed. Their covers are familiar to many of us, as is the content. I would venture to say that 90% of reptile owners in the U.S. have owned or read one of these books. Within the last year or so, AVS (which is now partnered with Fancy Publications - publishers of REPTILES magazine) has re-released many of it’s titles with new and updated information.

AVS founder and renowned author, Philippe de Vosjoli, is well aware of the constant learning associated with keeping exotics, so it is no surprise that he would encourage the updating of his books with new, more accurate data. Most of the books in the series are in fact written by de Vosjoli, although a handful of other notables have contributed titles over the years, all in areas of their expertise.

With over 30 titles in the collection, I will refrain from commenting on every book, but will point out some highlights of the series, and those from which I believe readers will benefit the most.

Among the updated titles, both the Bearded Dragon and Corn Snake Manuals have been drastically improved. Both books are over twice as long as the previous editions, with, you guessed it, twice as much information. Additionally, the Ball Python, Burmese Python, Leopard Gecko, and Water Dragon books have been updated as well. Even among the books that have had only minor changes to the actual text, readers will find the new layout (including new photos) easy to follow, and consistent from book to book.

Although AVS did have an existing Uromastyx book, it paled in comparison with the newly released edition. With the recent boom of interest in Uromastyx species, this book will prove highly popular, as it provides one of only a few decent references outlining the care and breeding of these lizards. Also, in response to popular demand, Jerry Walls has provided books on both Tarantulas and Scorpions. Although by no means exhaustive, they are highly informative and are ideal for beginning arachnid keepers.

All AVS books are paperback, with many photos, and most titles have references for further reading. The production quality is very high, and these books will last forever, even with frequent use. With over 30 titles to choose from, and reasonably priced, these books should be your first stop for information when researching the needs of your pets. Most titles are available at www.LLLReptile.com and are always in stock and ready to ship! I have many of these books in my personal collection, and can only recommend that you do the same.