Boa Constrictors

February 1, 2018
Grades K-2 Snakes take center stage in this addition to the Reptile World series. Venomous snakes and strangling snakes get equal page time in these four volumes, which are structured for the early reader: bold, colorful (and sometimes gruesome!) photos are the focus, offset by a straightforward text that utilizes action words and simple vocabulary. The boa's skill at camouflage is on display in Boa Constrictors, which offers a look at this strangling snake, which comes in many hues, blending into its environment. Early readers are further assisted by each volume's final picture glossary, which will help them to visualize potentially unfamiliar terms, and a diagram of each snake and its surprisingly varied parts. The high-interest topic (and the images that show the snakes devouring their prey) will attract readers, while the upbeat tone will help alleviate the fears of fledgling researchers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)