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Nature Storybooks
Python
Follow the deadly python as she slithers in search of a meal in this riveting nature story that is not for the faint of heart.
Python stirs and slithers out from her shelter, smelling the air with her forked tongue. It’s time to molt her dull scales and reveal the glistening snake underneath. Gliding along a tree, she stops and watches very, very closely as a bird drops onto a branch — and escapes the razor-sharp teeth just in time. But Python is hungry, so she slides on to stalk new prey. Combining informative facts, expressive illustrations, and a lyrical, mesmerizing narrative, here is a book to captivate anyone fascinated by this iconic creature.
Python stirs and slithers out from her shelter, smelling the air with her forked tongue. It’s time to molt her dull scales and reveal the glistening snake underneath. Gliding along a tree, she stops and watches very, very closely as a bird drops onto a branch — and escapes the razor-sharp teeth just in time. But Python is hungry, so she slides on to stalk new prey. Combining informative facts, expressive illustrations, and a lyrical, mesmerizing narrative, here is a book to captivate anyone fascinated by this iconic creature.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2013
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Cheng
37 books17 followersChristopher Cheng established the Zoomobile and taught at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, and now is a full-time author of children’s books. He lives in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 5, 2014
PYTHON, an engaging and gorgeous children’s picture book beautifully written by Christopher Cheng and illustrated by Mark Jackson, is captivating from beginning to end. It combines two tantalizing and ‘exotic” subjects: pythons and the Australian bush. Christopher Cheng’s sensory writing creates vibrant storytelling about an animal that most people fear and its place in the life cycle, including its reproduction. The story flows smoothly like a film unfolding seamlessly from frame to frame. I also like that the python is referred to as “her.” Then, surprise! No wonder she’s a she!
It’s clear Cheng loves what he’s writing about. PYTHON is a perfect vehicle for him—a naturalist, zoologist, teacher and author--to share his interest in and love of native Australian animals. His fresh, nimble text is perfectly matched with Jackson’s bold yet delicate watercolor paintings that spill off the page. For example, on the title page a baby python, newly hatching from its egg, looks a bit shocked at seeing the world for the first time! I also enjoyed how the writing, illustrations, and factoids intertwine with a wonderful sense of design. Complete with scientific information, this endearing and informative book deftly blends story, art, and science. Highly recommended.
It’s clear Cheng loves what he’s writing about. PYTHON is a perfect vehicle for him—a naturalist, zoologist, teacher and author--to share his interest in and love of native Australian animals. His fresh, nimble text is perfectly matched with Jackson’s bold yet delicate watercolor paintings that spill off the page. For example, on the title page a baby python, newly hatching from its egg, looks a bit shocked at seeing the world for the first time! I also enjoyed how the writing, illustrations, and factoids intertwine with a wonderful sense of design. Complete with scientific information, this endearing and informative book deftly blends story, art, and science. Highly recommended.
April 24, 2013
This book discusses the natural habitat of the Python. It discusses the needs of the Python for survival and provides for a great science lesson. I would probably do a read aloud of this book, before taking my students outside and allowing them to explore their own habitat. I would allow them to explore their own needs for survival in addition to the other animals that they may be familiar with, such as, house hold pets, etc.
August 10, 2013
Beautiful picture book that flawlessly weaves together prose, informational text and stunning illustrations. A worthwhile purchase for any elementary classroom library.
June 15, 2020
"Her scales are dull. Her eye scales are cloudy. Her body has no more room to grow inside her old scaly covering. It's time to molt. She rubs her head against a rock, and the old sack of scales peels back, just like a sock!"
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As the sun creeps up, the python warms her body, molts her scaly skin, hunts its prey, keeps her eggs warm, and takes care of her python babies as the eggs hatch. Interesting bits and pieces of factual information about python is presented alongside the light story of how the python spends the day. For example, it tells the young readers how a python has no eyelids, can unhinge its jaws, is ectothermic and a constrictor, and that the female ones are wonderful mothers!
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There is a brief explanation about pythons at the back, telling readers that the python featured in the book is a Diamond Python found in Australia. It is great as the first informational literature presented in a story form with wonderful illustration. Kids fascinated by reptiles would certainly love it.
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Hunting for books in a secondhandbook shop is kinda my idea of fun 😅 This is just one of the finds from those hunting trips.
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As the sun creeps up, the python warms her body, molts her scaly skin, hunts its prey, keeps her eggs warm, and takes care of her python babies as the eggs hatch. Interesting bits and pieces of factual information about python is presented alongside the light story of how the python spends the day. For example, it tells the young readers how a python has no eyelids, can unhinge its jaws, is ectothermic and a constrictor, and that the female ones are wonderful mothers!
.
There is a brief explanation about pythons at the back, telling readers that the python featured in the book is a Diamond Python found in Australia. It is great as the first informational literature presented in a story form with wonderful illustration. Kids fascinated by reptiles would certainly love it.
.
Hunting for books in a secondhandbook shop is kinda my idea of fun 😅 This is just one of the finds from those hunting trips.
August 28, 2023
Great art, and very informative about the python's life cycle.
July 9, 2013
This book is something that I think all parents and teachers love.. it gets a child's interest all while teaching them valuable information! In this mix of both story and information Cheng shows us the natural life of a Python in her daily adventures while giving us information (including scientific vocabulary) that doesn't overwhelm the reader. Snakes are not my favorite thing in the world, but this book was a refreshing way to learn more about the Python while not having the information sugar coated but still keeping it accurate!
March 5, 2013
A day in the life of a blue and yellow diamond python on the prowl for prey in the Australian bush. Good illustrations but not enough information to leave readers more in the know about this creature.
November 21, 2014
interesting look at the python, very accessible to young readers. 2 different fonts distinguish between a narrative non fiction day in the life and bonus facts, there is a note to this effect in the back matter.
April 15, 2013
Read our review here:
http://readforyourfuture.blogspot.com...
http://readforyourfuture.blogspot.com...
July 4, 2013
A story like account of the python with small sections of fact. Definitely not for the faint of heart when it discusses the pythons meal.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews