Verdi by Janell Cannon Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Verdi
Book Review: Finally a book teaching kids to appreciate snakes!
Summary: 5 Stars
It's about time someone wrote a kids book where the snake is a hero, not a villain! (There have been others, but they are few and far between)...Verdi was the best kids snake story I've ever read. Being a reptile keeper, I really appreciate this little story! What a great idea for a story PLUS snake facts at the end, teaching kids about the green tree python. More books like this would be excellent. Kids need to learn to appreciate snakes, and stories like this show that snakes aren't bad guys!! Review: For Children from Two to Ninety-TwoSummary: 5 Stars Once a week I volunteer to read books with children at the local library. VERDI by Janell Cannon is one of the most popular choices (Ms. Cannon's Stellaluna is also highly popular). It seems that children of all ages enjoy this book about a little yellow snake who doesn't want to grow up and become a boring green adult. As other reviewers have mentioned, this is a great coming of age story. We always discuss the books after reading them and after reading "Verdi," the kids always say something like "even adults were young once" or that "you can still have fun when you're a grown up." I also must comment on the illustrations, as they are exquisite - so colorful and detailed. Everyone just loves looking through this book again and again.
Book Review: Fun Story, amazing Illustrations, and educational Facts!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been a fan of Cannon's work ever since Stellaluna.
Verdi is another great book by Cannon, with a fun story and amazing illustrations. The detail she puts on her work is amazing.
Parents will appreciate the educational facts about Snakes at the end of the book.
(If you like this book you should search for other books by her, such as Stellaluna and Crickwing)
Book Review: GROW UP BIG AND GREEN - and deserving of a bonus star
Summary: 5 Stars
.Verdi! This is a great name for a green python, especially one with musical talent who could tap a tune with his tail.
Verdi was a thoughtful little snake. He went off to seek some wisdom from the older snakes.
The first python he spoke to was Umbles and he was a grumbler. Ribbon was a complainer and Aggie didn't like being stared at. They were so boring thought Verdi. After speaking to Dozer he concluded old green pythons were lazy, boring and rude.
He wanted to stay yellow forever, but one day he noticed that he was starting to turn green. Verdi headed to the river, to scrub himself but a big fish almost took him. He got covered in mud and when that dried and fell off he was greener still.
Undaunted, Verdi climbed to the top of a tall tree towards the golden sun which he thought would make him yellow again. He startled a flock of colorful birds (Australian Rainbow Lorikeets) and then fell back to earth.
Verdi hurt himself badly, and the old green pythons had to nurse him back to health. He listened to the snakes tell stories of when they were young and adventurous. Now they preferred the quiet life.
One night when Verdi was well again he listened to the forest come alive with nocturnal activity. Under the light of the full moon Verdi could see the beautiful white CusCus and that wonder of the bird world, the Tawny Frogmouth.
For the first time Verdi noticed the passage of time with the waxing and waning of the moon. Our friend might just be slowing down.
He was now so green he blended perfectly with the leaves. Life has now turned full circle and two young yellow pythons start mocking Verdi for being old and slow.
But Verdi was still Verdi and he showed the young ones how to do a perfect Figure Eight.
Verdi is a magnificent book. The bright luminous illustrations match the breezy and witty story line. This is a great tale on the trials and pitfalls when we slither, swing and occasionally slip and fall along that pathway from youth to maturity.
At the back of the book there are some "Snake Notes" which gives some useful zoological details on snakes, and pythons in particular.
This book appeals on many levels. It is visually very attractive, the story line is amusing and there is an educational element that will expose young people to the marvels of the snake world and no doubt encourage further interest.
It is refreshing to see snakes portrayed as frolicking fun lovers, rather than the traditional sinister stereotype we normally see.
Book Review: Go Green
Summary: 5 Stars
What a fabulous book! Gorgeously illustrated, aptly coloured with a motif of yellow and green, that not only gives a feel of the tropical jungle, but also supports the theme of the story. It makes a really great gift book. The cover is a mix of glossy paper (the snake and the title) on a matt green background.What I really like is the very strong sense of the sound research behind the charming tale. A child or adult reading it can learn a thing or two about jungle flora and fauna while being hugely entertained. The "Snake Notes" at the end also pad out the factual basis of the story. Bravo!