Verdi by Janell Cannon
On a small tropical island, the sun rose high above the steamy jungle. A mother python was sending her hatchings out into the forest the way all mother pythons do. “Grow up big and green – as green as the trees’ leaves,” she called to her little yellow babies as they happily scattered among the trees.
Verdi was one such zestful hatchling set free to explore the forest. He didn’t understand why turning green was so important. After all weren’t all the adult green snakes lazy, boring, and rude? All they did was lie curled up in the treetops whining and groaning.
Verdi on the other hand was vivacious, daring, and lively. He admired his bright yellow skin and bold zigzag stripes. Catapulting his agile body from treetops and forming a perfect figure eight on his way down was his favorite pass time.
Despite all his futile attempts at staying young, one day Verdi’s skin peels away to reveal a pale green stripe. He begins to panic. In his frantic quest to remain yellow, he finds himself in some rather hazardous situations, which result in an unpleasant injury that leaves him in the hands of his jungle-green friends to nurse him back to health.
During his time with them, he learns some important life lessons, ponders, and stops to marvel at nature and its creations.
An enriching moral story with realistic bright artwork and candid characters, this book is a great educational resource for any home or classroom. The bonus fact sheet at the end of the book is a welcome addition for young snake enthusiasts.
Related Activities:
- Visit Wildlife4Kids for some great activities to help encourage an appreciation of snakes.
- Make your own tree snakes. All you need are some dry twigs, paper, scissors, crayons, and your imagination!
- Read up on the life cycle of the green tree python and make your own poster.
Book Details:
Title: Verdi
Author: Janell Cannon
ISBN: 978-0-86461-303-5
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Koala Books
Suitable for ages: 7+
