Python

Clear, succinct sentences such as “Pythons are large, strong snakes” and “The python bites the prey and holds on,” will draw in reluctant readers who picked up this title for its sensational subject and the (fulfilled) promise of grisly images. Large-font text describes the snakes’ habitat, young, and eating habits, and a physical description includes an in-text definition of the word “reticulated.” Opposite each narrative page kids will find the book’s main draw: full-page images of pythons, among them two showing the creature devouring hapless mice and one of a python with a large, half-eaten furry creature sticking out of its distended jaws. The image of a sinister-looking baby reticulated python won’t disappoint either. Links to the San Diego zoo and Animal Planet websites extend the information and add to the fun.