Verdi: A Colorful Snake Picture Book Story About Growing Up and Learning to Love Who You Are

Verdi came out when my daughter was four and already in love with Janell Cannon’s Stellaluna. Add in that her favorite color is green and it was adoration at first sight. Verdi became one of our all-time favorite books to read together. (Stellaluna was a tie, along with a few others.) When I got a shower invitation from my niece lately asking people to bring a book instead of a card along with their gift, I grabbed three of our old childhood standbys: Stellaluna 25th Anniversary Edition , Verdi , and The Runaway Bunny: A 75th Anniversary Retrospective . It’s so hard to choose so few out of so many of our favorite books, but she may be inundated with more books as her son gets older. ;) I also ordered a new favorite, A Boy and a House , but I’m not sure it will get here in time for her shower. Verdi starts the story as a baby green tree python. He is enamored with his bright yellow skin, jaunty stripes, and speed. He does crazy stunts such as catapulting himself into the wide open sky without a thought for anything but the exhilaration of flying. (The expressions on his face are priceless.) As Verdi wanders through the jungle, he spies some old green tree pythons. They’re slow, spend more time thinking about food than actually doing anything, and well, as far as Verdi is concerned, the old greens are slow, dreadfully boring, and he never wants to be one. In their defense, the old greens wish Verdi would be more careful; he could get hurt or put an eye out. These young snakes are awfully reckless. Just as the old greens thought and worried about, there comes a day when Verdi’s antics result is some serious injuries and those old greens that he thought were boring are the very ones who come to his rescue. They patiently nurse him back to health. As he recovers, Verdi learns to slow down and savor life. But does that mean he’s turning into a boring old green? Not if he can help it. The vibrant pictures by Janell Cannon are whimsical, beautifully colored, and absolutely hilarious at times. Verdi is a story of what it means to grow up, staying young at heart, and realizing that getting old isn’t as bad as it might seem. Lots of good conversations will start with reading this book, not to mention initiate countless hours poring over the intricate and delicately colored illustrations. Cannon includes two pages about snakes at the back of the book, for inquiring minds to learn more about snakes and green tree pythons. Highly recommended for anyone who loves to share beautiful picture books, heartwarming stories, and inspiration to understand that growing old isn’t the end and being young isn’t that bad either. Simply one of the sweetest picture books for children out there.

My three year old loves animals and reptiles, so I purchased this book. Beautiful and hyper realistic illustrations, plus a wonderful storyline with complex vocab. Though he might not get the whole plot, it is a great read and introduces him to many new words and figurative language.

My wife purchased this book twice- once over 30 years ago to read to our daughter and now she got to read it again to our new granddaughter. Cute story.

My 3 year old loves this book and we read it at bedtime most nights. It arrived in perfect condition and is as beautifully illustrated and cute as Stellaluna from this same author.

My sister, niece, and I all absolutely looooove this book. It’s a must have for everyone in my opinion. It has a great message, it’s easy to read, and has the most beautiful artwork. I’m a herpetologist (study of reptiles and amphibians) and my young niece loves snakes so it’s a perfect fit for us but even if you don’t have a connection with snakes it could be a perfect fit for you too.

I remember this book when my kids were little I’m 61 and my kids are 31 and 32 Verde is one of the books that is such a great book. The kids loved it. I would take it into their school. Another one is Stella Luna another one is a rainbow fish these are all classics so if you have little kids, please buy these books for these children because they are really really good books with a message

Such a cute story!! Perfect for any snake lover

This book, and her other books Stellaluna, are my two go-to baby books that I gave to people at showers. It's beautifully written, and the illustrations are gorgeous!

I love this book so much. Showed up in perfect condition.

Ich und auch meine Kinder lieben dieses sehr symbolträchtige Buch.. in Englisch oder Deutsch. Die Übersetzung ist sehr gelungen! Die Sprache kindgerecht, die Bilder sehr ansprechend!

What an awesome book, the illustrations look like how real green tree pythons look and shows how adorable baby green trees are

Wonderful depiction of the thrill of youth. One of my favorites.

Love this book, brought for my little girl but I enjoy reading it I more I think. Wish there was more books like this one on snakes/reptiles really nice quality book and delivered well packaged overal very happy