I (Don't) Like Snakes

K-Gr 2—Readers may agree with the young serpent-loathing protagonist of this book, but her family doesn't. When they respond to her declaration "I really, really, REALLY don't like snakes!" with a resounding "WHY?" the stage is set for a series of complaints. With each argument, the girl finds herself backsliding. Her objections—slithering movements, slimy skin, flicking tongues, and staring eyes—are all overcome with explanations and rebuttals. Soon she is sharing interesting facts with her family, and (no surprise here) she finally announces her change of heart. Pet snakes that are reminiscent of those in Tomi Ungerer's Crictor (HarperCollins, 1958) are everywhere to be found, while snake skins decorate the family's furniture, shoes, rugs, walls, and the book's endpapers. Cartoon artwork and italicized text are used for the fictional story, while a more realistic art style with standard text for factual elements. Most snakes are identified, and brief back matter adds additional information.