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(4)
4-6
Lost Rainforest series.
Illustrated by
Emilia Dziubak.
Panther Mez discovers she is a "shadowwalker," gifted with hidden magic. Boa constrictor Auriel asks Mez to join other "eclipse-born" and prevent the evil Ant Queen's return. Mez befriends some fellow recruits but soon discovers Auriel's ulterior motives. While the plot drags, the story's engaging friendships, action, and suspense may garner fans for this new animal-fantasy series. Includes a Q&A about Schrefer's research in the Amazon.
32 pp.
| Little Bee
| June, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4998-0404-1$16.99
(4)
PS
Illustrated by
Rebecca Ashdown.
Wally, a boa constrictor, is an enthusiastic hugger. When his animal friends at school are scared of his hugs, Wally expresses how sad he is. If Wally agrees to be gentle, his classmates will gladly accept his hugs. The end feels slightly problematic--Wally kisses everyone without permission because "he couldn't help himself"--but the expressively illustrated story could start discussions on consent.
(4)
K-3
Bumba Books: Rain Forest Animals series.
Examining one animal per volume, this early science series offers quick, overly broad surveys of rainforest animals. Colorful layouts and close-up photographs enhance simple descriptions of each creature's appearance, behavior, life cycle, and habitat. Critical thinking questions scattered throughout provide the option for a more interactive reading experience. A basic anatomy chart is appended. Also available in Spanish. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Bumba Books: Rain Forest Animals titles: It's a Boa Constrictor!, It's a Chameleon!, and It's a Red-Eyed Tree Frog!
24 pp.
| Andersen
| April, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4677-3450-9$16.95
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4677-3455-4
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Tony Ross.
Sincerely given birthday gifts prove disappointing for reasons obvious to Boa. (Mittens: he has no hands! A soccer ball: he has no feet.) But Dung Beetle's gift--a ball of "You Know What" containing a hidden seed--grows into something wonderfully appropriate, reminding Boa that it's the thought that counts. Ross's expressive illustrations add humor to a delicate question of etiquette.
48 pp.
| Enslow/Elementary
| April, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-3878-3$23.93
(4)
4-6
Far-Out and Unusual Pets series.
Crisp close-up photos of these unconventional pets enhance accessible, exclamation-point-heavy texts. Each book offers some information about the titular animal's behavior and habits before discussing how to care for the creature in the home; also covered is the amount of responsibility required for each of these pets. "Far Out!" text boxes provide additional tidbits of interest. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Far-Out and Unusual Pets titles: Boas and Pythons, Hairless Dogs, Miniature Horses, Poison Dart Frogs, Rats, and Tarantulas.
32 pp.
| Dial
| September, 2003
|
TradeISBN 0-8037-2600-7$$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Steven Kellogg.
Jimmy and his boa are back, as the two get tangled up in Miss Peachtree's dance class. Somehow, through the dizzy excitement in the gymnasium, the snake proves to be a perfect recruit for Jimmy's basketball team. Kellogg's familiar detailed art depicts the busy, friendly chaos of kids, rabbits, and the amiable orange-spotted boa.