Boas and Pythons

April 15, 2012
Grades 3-5 The sunglasses and fedoras added to the covers of these odd pet books aren't convincingly cool, but some of the info inside succeeds in the hard sell, blending history and factoids with relevant day-to-day info on pet care. The general antipet store attitude (in favor of breeders) is well advised. Don't rush out and get yourself a big snake, begins Boas and Pythons, before suggesting the two- to three-foot rosy boa. Just be ready for feeding (see the shots of half-swallowed mice and birds), and keep the tank lid closed tightly. Decent pictures and a spacious layout make the Far-Out and Unusual Pets series fun, though further investigation on each pet will be required.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)