“Verdi” by Janelle Cannon, 1997. Harcourt Brace. Picture Book.Hardcover. Ages 4-7
This picture book scores high in terms of factual information, captivating storyline and beautiful illustrations.
Prior to this book, my soon-to-be three year old wanted absolutely nothing to do with snakes. No books about snakes, no snake toys , nothing. And then she read “Verdi”. Well, we read it to her- Joy and I.
That’s because Verdi, the main character of this book, is simply so lovable. He is a yellow baby python who simply can’t see why he should grow up. He meets three adult pythons- Umbles, Aggie and Ribbon- who do not seem to want to do anything except droop along the branches. Verdi slithers away from the encounter , thoroughly disgusted with their laziness and dullness.
“I will jump and climb and keep moving so fast that I will stay yellow and striped forver.” Verdi vows.
But there is no escape for the poor young snake. His shiny yellow scales begin turning green. Verdi tries everything, from vigorous scrubbing to hurtling himself from branches until he hurts himself. Unable to move, it is the three “dull” adult pythons that rescue him. Through the experience, Verdi learns the important lesson that he can still be true to himself and grow up at the same time.
The book also contains additional notes containing information about snakes.
No Comments on "Verdi"