Early Book Review: Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem by Kate Messner

Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem by Kate Messner is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, so when one showed up dead along the side of a Florida highway in 1979, scientists wondered where it came from. No one knew the snakes had launched a full-scale invasion. Pet pythons that escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild, and these enormous predators began eating every animal in their path. Today a group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is tracking Burmese pythons to find ways to stop their spread. Page Plus links lead to video clips and photos of the scientists working in the field. Delve into the science of pythons and their role as invasive predators.

Tracking Pythons is a well researched and written book that offers readers a look at how delicate the balance in a ecosystem can be, and how something that seems small can cause extreme changes. Whether the first pythons in Florida were escaped or released pets, or stowaways, is less important than the studies and efforts to understand and control their impact on an area that is already facing environmental stress. I liked the conversational tone and the backgrounds stories for some of the scientists that are working on the problem, and the details of the field and lab work that can be involved. I think the combination gives readers a good look at what they might do if their find a career in the field. I really enjoyed getting to know more about the lengths that go into keeping the environment and the creatures in it, as healthy as possible despite the damage being done both intentionally and unintentionally by man. I really like the use of additional digital content for interested readers. So many kids have phones and tablets on hand, and leading them to reputable and interesting resources is a great way to keep their attention and encourage further research. I also liked the concises timeline for the python population, as well as the fact that the book included a glossary and page of resources for further reading. I found the book to be well done and accessible for interested readers. 

Tracking Pythons is an interesting and engaging read and I think it would be a great addition to public, school, and classroom libraries. 

Book Review: Rattlesnake Rules by Conrad J. Storad, Nathabiel P. Jensen

Rattlesnake Rules by Conrad J. Storad is a children's non fiction picturebook. Rattlesnakes have rules?! If these babies shake their rattles, you had better pay attention! Misunderstood, rattlesnakes have gotten a bad rap over the years.  This book demystifies the world of rattlesnakes and introduces children to such topics as who, when, and what rattlesnakes eat. It shows readers why rattlesnakes have rattles and what it means if you hear one. You will learn how the snakes forked tongues help them survive. The delightful and colorful illustrations of Nathaniel P. Jensen help bring the story alive.

Rattlesnake Rules is a good introduction to rattlesnakes and their behavior. I like that it offers the rules rattlesnakes live by to survive, and the rules people should follow when exploring the outdoors. The illustrations are cute, and I like the realistic colors used in the snakes and the landscapes, but it did not wow me with detail work. The text of the story is told in rhyme, and is easy to understand and remember. My favorite aspect of the book is the additional information and resources included at the end of the book. There are some interesting facts that were new to me, and some activity and craft ideas for caregivers, parents, or teachers to take part in with young readers to get them more engaged and interested in the story and information. 

Rattlesnake Rules was an informative read, and I think it could be very useful in teaching young children how to behave in rattlesnake territory, and to understand rather than fear them. I found the story itself to be alright, but the picturebook portion did not stand out or wow me in any way.