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Saving Snakes
When Mom brings home a new houseguest from the exotic animal hospital, it sparks a great idea. Naomi decides to form a snake rescue club with her best friend, Emma, and her brother, Nolan. But tensions arise with her next-door neighbor Taylor, who hates snakes. Will the snakes bring them together or drive them apart? One thing is for certain: rescuing snakes leads to adventures—and even friendships—that Naomi never imagined!
Interest level: Grades 1-3 Reading level: Grades 1-3
Interest level: Grades 1-3 Reading level: Grades 1-3
112 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2023
14 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Lee Anderson
65 books32 followersI was born in Phoenix, Arizona, although my family didn't stay there long.
My father served in the Air Force and we soon moved to Texas. Honolulu,
Hawaii was our most exotic station. I'll never forget the excitement of
winning a hula competition. Those who know me now would never guess I
had that kind of coordination.
When we moved back to San Antonio, Texas, I missed the Aloha State, but
books served as a great distraction. Around that same time, I wrote my first
book, Fuzzy the Fox. I tried to write my first novel in high school. The
story had a strong beginning and a promising ending, but the middle of the
book ruined it all. Even though the book was not a success, the experience
taught me much about the writing process, especially about revision.
In college, I took a children's literature course that inspired me to write
books for children and teens I eventually went on to graduate from Hollins University with an M.A. in children's literature. In addition to my book publications, I've written magazine articles for Highlights for Children, Wee Ones Magazine, and Holiday Crafts 4 Kids. In addition to writing, I also teach at the Institute of Children's Literature.
I love to read, and some of my favorite authors are: Mildred Taylor, Han
Nolan, David LaRochelle, S.E. Hinton, Karen Hesse, Judy Blume, Avi, Eoin
Colfer, and Christopher Paul Curtis. The list could go on and on!
I live north of Austin with my supportive husband, Michael, and my dogs
Buster and JoJo. When not writing, Michael and I enjoy traveling and have
a goal to travel to as many national parks as possible.
My father served in the Air Force and we soon moved to Texas. Honolulu,
Hawaii was our most exotic station. I'll never forget the excitement of
winning a hula competition. Those who know me now would never guess I
had that kind of coordination.
When we moved back to San Antonio, Texas, I missed the Aloha State, but
books served as a great distraction. Around that same time, I wrote my first
book, Fuzzy the Fox. I tried to write my first novel in high school. The
story had a strong beginning and a promising ending, but the middle of the
book ruined it all. Even though the book was not a success, the experience
taught me much about the writing process, especially about revision.
In college, I took a children's literature course that inspired me to write
books for children and teens I eventually went on to graduate from Hollins University with an M.A. in children's literature. In addition to my book publications, I've written magazine articles for Highlights for Children, Wee Ones Magazine, and Holiday Crafts 4 Kids. In addition to writing, I also teach at the Institute of Children's Literature.
I love to read, and some of my favorite authors are: Mildred Taylor, Han
Nolan, David LaRochelle, S.E. Hinton, Karen Hesse, Judy Blume, Avi, Eoin
Colfer, and Christopher Paul Curtis. The list could go on and on!
I live north of Austin with my supportive husband, Michael, and my dogs
Buster and JoJo. When not writing, Michael and I enjoy traveling and have
a goal to travel to as many national parks as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 8, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Capstone, Picture Window Books for accepting my request to read and review Saving Snakes.
Author: Jessica Lee Anderson
Published: 1/1/23
Genre: Children's Fiction
This colorful and playful book gives a respectful presentation and tidbits of factual information on snakes. The main character in this story is a young girl. She faces the stigmas and stereotypes of what people insist they know when in fact they are wrong.
This could encourage a child to be different, be the leader and in school learn to love science and biology.
I am not one that believes pitbulls have a bad reputation and are misunderstood. Snakes are in the same category. Both can be respected, feared, and left to those who naturally appreciate them to teach the rest of us. Girl or boy, it starts with knowing the facts and sharing them kindly.
Author: Jessica Lee Anderson
Published: 1/1/23
Genre: Children's Fiction
This colorful and playful book gives a respectful presentation and tidbits of factual information on snakes. The main character in this story is a young girl. She faces the stigmas and stereotypes of what people insist they know when in fact they are wrong.
This could encourage a child to be different, be the leader and in school learn to love science and biology.
I am not one that believes pitbulls have a bad reputation and are misunderstood. Snakes are in the same category. Both can be respected, feared, and left to those who naturally appreciate them to teach the rest of us. Girl or boy, it starts with knowing the facts and sharing them kindly.
December 3, 2022
I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity.
As a parent of a now college "Naomi", I found this book delightful. There are a lot of kids who love snakes, and from what I've seen, many of the most passionate are like Naomi-not only do they love snakes themselves, they collect snake facts passionately and try to educate others. Like Naomi, they start clubs or rescue groups. Like Naomi, they often get slapped down by others in their lives, and like Naomi, they get back up again.
This is the perfect book for kids who love animals...especially snakes. Naomi's characterization and struggles are realistic. The facts about snakes are correct (there are MANY books which have annoyed my personal "Naomi" because they were not). Highly recommended for libraries, classrooms and outreach programs or gift shops in nature centers, zoos, museums, etc. . The world needs more snakes...and kids who love them. I'm planning to get a copy for my personal Naomi to use in outreach once it's published.
As a parent of a now college "Naomi", I found this book delightful. There are a lot of kids who love snakes, and from what I've seen, many of the most passionate are like Naomi-not only do they love snakes themselves, they collect snake facts passionately and try to educate others. Like Naomi, they start clubs or rescue groups. Like Naomi, they often get slapped down by others in their lives, and like Naomi, they get back up again.
This is the perfect book for kids who love animals...especially snakes. Naomi's characterization and struggles are realistic. The facts about snakes are correct (there are MANY books which have annoyed my personal "Naomi" because they were not). Highly recommended for libraries, classrooms and outreach programs or gift shops in nature centers, zoos, museums, etc. . The world needs more snakes...and kids who love them. I'm planning to get a copy for my personal Naomi to use in outreach once it's published.
April 25, 2023
Animal fans will enjoy this read as they accompany a friendly girl and her desire to help any animal she can, especially snakes.
Naomi is excited when her mother brings home an exotic snake to heal after a surgery at the rescue. As she helps to care for Beauty, she has an idea—there are snakes in the neighborhood, who might need help too. So, she forms a snake rescue club with the support of her parents, best friend and b
rother. All's going great except for the neighbor girl, who not only hates snakes but seems to have a difficult attitude in general. Still, Naomi is determined to do the best she can.
This is a book in a series, which centers around various animals and a girl's love for each and every one. The author does a terrific job at creating a familiar setting with a character to like and wish was a reader's friend. Readers will have no trouble identifying with her, and not only her love for animals but the relationships with her family and friends. She's simply a normal girl, and it's this which will have readers wanting to help the animals around them as well.
The text is great for those readers, who are very sure of their words but not quite ready to dive into a longer, middle grade novel. There are bright and colorful illustrations strewn in and the font is slightly larger for easier reading. There are snake facts peppered in, which allow readers to learn more about the reptiles. At the end of the book, there are several activities such as snake facts, questions, writing suggestions, and more.
Rescuing animals is kept down at a very realistic level, making sure readers are aware of the dangers, problems, and benefits Naomi faces when heading on this venture. Not only does this rotate around the animals, but also hits on the fears and reactions people have, and what influence this has on the situations. To round it off, there's the side-plot concerning rockier relationships and forming friendships. So, there is quite a bit of goodness in these pages, and I'm excited to see what Naomi will be up to in the future. I received a complimentary copy and found this to be an interesting and well done read.
Naomi is excited when her mother brings home an exotic snake to heal after a surgery at the rescue. As she helps to care for Beauty, she has an idea—there are snakes in the neighborhood, who might need help too. So, she forms a snake rescue club with the support of her parents, best friend and b
rother. All's going great except for the neighbor girl, who not only hates snakes but seems to have a difficult attitude in general. Still, Naomi is determined to do the best she can.
This is a book in a series, which centers around various animals and a girl's love for each and every one. The author does a terrific job at creating a familiar setting with a character to like and wish was a reader's friend. Readers will have no trouble identifying with her, and not only her love for animals but the relationships with her family and friends. She's simply a normal girl, and it's this which will have readers wanting to help the animals around them as well.
The text is great for those readers, who are very sure of their words but not quite ready to dive into a longer, middle grade novel. There are bright and colorful illustrations strewn in and the font is slightly larger for easier reading. There are snake facts peppered in, which allow readers to learn more about the reptiles. At the end of the book, there are several activities such as snake facts, questions, writing suggestions, and more.
Rescuing animals is kept down at a very realistic level, making sure readers are aware of the dangers, problems, and benefits Naomi faces when heading on this venture. Not only does this rotate around the animals, but also hits on the fears and reactions people have, and what influence this has on the situations. To round it off, there's the side-plot concerning rockier relationships and forming friendships. So, there is quite a bit of goodness in these pages, and I'm excited to see what Naomi will be up to in the future. I received a complimentary copy and found this to be an interesting and well done read.
December 18, 2022
This early chapter book tells the story of a girl who loves snakes and wants to be a good advocate for them. Naomi has been exposed to a variety of exotic animals through her mother's veterinary practice and enjoys learning about them. She also wants to protect animals and feels that education and advocacy are important. When a neighbour reacts strongly to a fear of snakes, Naomi does her best to continue to protect animals without upsetting her neighbour.
I love that this book discusses social thinking in an age-appropriate way, for example, Naomi is asked about reactions people have to animals deemed more creepy and instead of sharing something that might embarrass someone else, the author gives some space for Naomi to consider the consequences of sharing something personal about someone else. It is great modeling for younger readers.
I love that there are beautiful, full colour illustrations that will really help readers who need support to comprehend. The text is well spaced and a good size, it is usually black on white backgrounds and there is not too much text on a page. I also love that there are fun snake facts peppered throughout. The author takes opportunities to dispel common myths and discuss animal rights and advocacy subjects like humane trapping. The book ends with a glossary and some discussion/writing prompts, as well as more safety information and facts. I think that my students would love this book and would definitely recommend it to parents and teachers of children ready for chapter books but still requiring illustrations and shorter texts to maintain comprehension. I would aim for students in the grades 1-4 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
I love that this book discusses social thinking in an age-appropriate way, for example, Naomi is asked about reactions people have to animals deemed more creepy and instead of sharing something that might embarrass someone else, the author gives some space for Naomi to consider the consequences of sharing something personal about someone else. It is great modeling for younger readers.
I love that there are beautiful, full colour illustrations that will really help readers who need support to comprehend. The text is well spaced and a good size, it is usually black on white backgrounds and there is not too much text on a page. I also love that there are fun snake facts peppered throughout. The author takes opportunities to dispel common myths and discuss animal rights and advocacy subjects like humane trapping. The book ends with a glossary and some discussion/writing prompts, as well as more safety information and facts. I think that my students would love this book and would definitely recommend it to parents and teachers of children ready for chapter books but still requiring illustrations and shorter texts to maintain comprehension. I would aim for students in the grades 1-4 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
September 23, 2022
As a huge fan of snakes, I often find myself educating people about these highly misunderstood creatures! Having a book where snakes are celebrated, and where a young girl is determined to protect them is a joy to read.
Main character Naomi is thrilled when her mother brings home a snake to care for from her job at the exotic animal hospital. Naomi asks her friend Emma and her brother Nolan to form a snake rescue club where they can help rescue snakes in their neighborhood. Unfortunately, their next-door neighbor Taylor, absolutely hates snakes and does not want Naomi saving them. Taylor wants all the snakes gone.
This book taught an amazing lesson about respecting peoples fears, misunderstandings, the importance of educating people about things they do not understand, as well as the theme of overcoming fears and facing them head on. Taylor is put in a situation where facing their fear of snakes can help demonstrate to children that when they try something that scares them, they may realize it isn't so bad after all!
Main character Naomi is thrilled when her mother brings home a snake to care for from her job at the exotic animal hospital. Naomi asks her friend Emma and her brother Nolan to form a snake rescue club where they can help rescue snakes in their neighborhood. Unfortunately, their next-door neighbor Taylor, absolutely hates snakes and does not want Naomi saving them. Taylor wants all the snakes gone.
This book taught an amazing lesson about respecting peoples fears, misunderstandings, the importance of educating people about things they do not understand, as well as the theme of overcoming fears and facing them head on. Taylor is put in a situation where facing their fear of snakes can help demonstrate to children that when they try something that scares them, they may realize it isn't so bad after all!
March 9, 2023
Saving Snakes by Jessica Lee Anderson was a delight.
Naomi, the main character, is filled with great joy when her mom brings home a snake to look after for her job at the Exotic Animal Hospital. Filled with all that excitement Naomi asks Emma and Nolan to create a snake rescue club to be helpful and follow in moms' footsteps. When forming a club, it is brought to Naomi's attention their next-door neighbor doesn't like snakes and doesn't want to save them. Naomi does her best to educate her next-door neighbor on all thing's snakes.
I enjoy the viewing of snakes with lots of distance in between. Snakes have a pretty bad rep, so I try my best to educate my children and those around me on how snakes are harmless and to keep your distance. This book does just that with the added benefits of how to overcome your fear of them, how they can be of use and how you should respect them.
Naomi, the main character, is filled with great joy when her mom brings home a snake to look after for her job at the Exotic Animal Hospital. Filled with all that excitement Naomi asks Emma and Nolan to create a snake rescue club to be helpful and follow in moms' footsteps. When forming a club, it is brought to Naomi's attention their next-door neighbor doesn't like snakes and doesn't want to save them. Naomi does her best to educate her next-door neighbor on all thing's snakes.
I enjoy the viewing of snakes with lots of distance in between. Snakes have a pretty bad rep, so I try my best to educate my children and those around me on how snakes are harmless and to keep your distance. This book does just that with the added benefits of how to overcome your fear of them, how they can be of use and how you should respect them.
December 21, 2023
When Naomi's mom brings home a snake from her exotic veterinarian practice, Naomi names it Beauty and tries to bring her back to health. She has a notebook full of snake facts and tries to learn about them as much as possible. People in her neighborhood start complaining of finding snakes in their yards and she starts a club with her older brother and best friend Emma to go collect the snakes and set them free.
While fiction, I learned a lot about snakes because the book was full of fun facts about snakes. I still don't like them, but I respect them a lot more. Naomi is a determined child who wants to help out animals and help her community and I think kids can learn from her. I enjoyed this book and I think kids will too. This would be a good read for snake fans or for kids who are afraid of snakes.
While fiction, I learned a lot about snakes because the book was full of fun facts about snakes. I still don't like them, but I respect them a lot more. Naomi is a determined child who wants to help out animals and help her community and I think kids can learn from her. I enjoyed this book and I think kids will too. This would be a good read for snake fans or for kids who are afraid of snakes.
April 20, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and being that I’ve had a profound fear of snakes my whole life, I was just a bit nervous to read it. Jessica Lee Anderson has done a wonderful job creating an intelligent young heroine named Naomi Nash. Naomi is independent, smart, and keeps all of her snake facts in a special notebook. She is fearless, curious, and brave, just like we want our daughters to be! I learned so many facts about snakes by reading this book too. The illustrations are charming and young readers grades 1-3 who have a love for helping living things will love it! Great glossary with important vocabulary is included too. This is the first book in the series and there are 3 other books too. And I’m happy to report that my nervous snake phobia subsided greatly as I enjoyed Naomi’s adventures!
December 4, 2023
Naomi loves snakes. What better way to prepare to be a vet than to rescue snakes! Naomi has an entrepreneur spirit with her brother as they start a business to rescue snakes from people's homes. The book has lots of facts about snakes woven throughout the book. Naomi and Taylor have some friend conflict as well. The book displays different relationship issues and how to navigate them. Naomi has such an upbeat attitude when dealing with snake phobias that people have. I could read this book over and over with my kids.
September 22, 2022
I thought that this book was excellent!
I loved the story and the snake facts were a great touch
It is a mix of saving snakes as the book title says but also about friendly, teamwork and overcoming fears and obstacles to achieve a great end goal too
I loved that the story was a really positive one and the ending was perfect
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
I loved the story and the snake facts were a great touch
It is a mix of saving snakes as the book title says but also about friendly, teamwork and overcoming fears and obstacles to achieve a great end goal too
I loved that the story was a really positive one and the ending was perfect
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
October 23, 2022
My child is obsessed with snakes. She wants snake-everything. She is 9yr old and she loves snakes. She loved this book also! The book consists of short and interesting stories (all about snakes!), and there are many, many snake facts also. The drawings are really beautiful too! I’m sure every snake-loving child is going to love this book.
October 6, 2022
Cute story. I am not a fan of snakes. Reading about them is way better than touching them. The given facts were a nice touch. I wish I had some younger kids around me to share this with! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this adorableness.
September 26, 2023
This book is incredibly well written, factual, and entertaining, even reading as an adult. I bought it for my daughter but decided to read it myself first. I loved it and can’t wait to read the rest of the series! Highly recommend.
January 15, 2023
I would like to be Naomi Nash when I grow up please! Saving Snakes was a cute, informative, and fun chapter book! It's exactly the kind of book my animal loving self would have devoured as a kid. Saving Snakes is so much more than a book about why snakes are great. I'm honestly shocked in the best way by how much I loved every single aspect of this. Naomi is one of the best characters I've read in kids' lit! She's thoughtful, kind, and inquisitive! There is such a sense of community and team work that is delightful. This is a really fun book to use as an educational source, but in a sneaky way. Kids are going to be interested in snakes even if they aren't the biggest snake fan!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews