Danny Diamondback

by Barry E. Jackson

Danny Diamondback is a young rattlesnake who slithers into the world on his own and tries to make some friends. But two jackrabbits, a family of sparrows, and a whole town of prairie dogs run from the mere sight of him. You see, Danny's ma and pa never told him he was a deadly poisonous snake! But when one fearless little prairie dog discovers that Danny's tail provides just the beat his band is missing, Danny is invited to join the Hoppin' Jalapeños. Danny has finally found some friends—at least until his disguise goes flying and the audience runs away in fear! Will anyone ever see beyond Danny's rattles, or will he be a lonely snake forever?

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Mark Fehlandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a grandiose journey of a rattlesnake finding a new home and new friends after being abandoned by his parents when he was young. Author, Barry E. Jackson, brings this story to life with his superb illustrations and great narration, as a harmless rattlesnake struggles to find out who he is as animals around him run away in horror already knowing. In the end, the audience comes to love this snake as he joins a traveling band and saves a town of prairie dogs from a pack of coyotes.

[Robert Gowdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes place in the south where "danny" the diamondback rattlesnake was born and left by his parents due to the fact that they were captured by zookeepers. This is an interesting take on the point of view of a snake who is feared vs a creature who is afraid. The drawn illustrations help us to not fear the snake and see him as something to be kind and misunderstood rather than feared as rattlesnakes are. The book touches on the topic of family, acceptance, and being proud of who you are despite what others think of you. I would recommend this book for grade school level and up.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit long for a storytime, this was still a fun read. Plenty of good messages about found family and acceptance (and self acceptance!) and the bonding power of music. With the text a bit Texas country-folksy at times, the illustrations were by far my favorite part. I think the facial expressions were priceless! My favorites were the birds at the beginning.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked the illustrations

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very amusing. Didn’t love trying to read the accent.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It would be great for a teacher working with the ecosystem of deserts as it includes the other animals of the habitat in the story. The writing is great and the inclusion of Spanish words and the animals that fear a rattlesnake is cute. I found this book to be fun and the illustrations realistic. The animals react to Danny in the way they are supposed to but the story is
interesting with a cute turn of events. Danny doesn't eat one of the animals he meets. That part is not realistic to a snake's survival.

[Jessica Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an ostracized member of the community, Danny Diamondback is confused and saddened by other people's reactions. The illustrations in this book are reminiscent of major film quality and the storyline is set in the southwest, complete with regional dialect and slang. This book is a quality picture book to to springboard the topic of differences and how to become more accepting of peers. In this text, the very thing that drove many people away from Danny is the very same thing that draws them closer and secures a bond of friendship.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book to read aloud with your child! This book has a wonderful story about a rattlesnake that has no idea why the other animals keep running from him. It is a familiar storyline, but with the characters in this book, it feel like a fresh tale. The pictures are also very impressive. If you enjoy reading the Skippy John Jones books to your child, I highly recommend that you pick this book up.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Stars This is a fun story with great illustrations. It is also about accepting people what they are not what you think they are. It is also standing up for the little guy.

My favorite page is "He will kill us all" it look like they took a picture with a slow shutter speed on a camera. It makes a cool blurred effect!!

Enjoyed this one! Thanks! Had some very boring average books today!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

2008-Fantasy In this book, Danny is left alone by his rattle snake parents. Danny goes out to find new parents. However, he can not figure out why every animal is afraid of him. He finally gains the friendship of a prairie dog. Together, they start a band. However, Danny's problem of being a snake continues to be an issue for him.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After living in Oklahoma I love the way this book reads. LOL It is definitely a book with a Texan flair. The kids love to hear it and I love to read it.\

Cute story about rattle snake that doesn't know that he is dangerous and can't find any friends.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY like the pictures. I like the idea of using a rattlesnake as the rhythm section in a band. The plot has some fun twists about the standard learning-to-accept-others story.

[Tina B · Rating 4 out of 5]

"southwestern, snakes, prairie dogs, musicians, computer generated illustrations"