Python

Product Description

Less than a decade ago, there were only a few pythons in the everglades. Today more than 100,000 of them are slithering around south Florida, crushing what was already a delicate ecosystem. Readers will be introduced to the concepts of invasive species and challenged to think critically about the cause, effect, and control of dangerous creatures

From Booklist

Books in the Animal Invaders series spotlight species introduced to new habitats where, with few natural predators or none at all, they have upset the ecological balance. Each five-chapter book follows the same template: an introduction to the problems caused by the invasive species, a discussion of its physical characteristics and habits, a history of how it arrived in its new habitat, and an analysis of challenges encountered by those trying to limit its spread. Python takes on the 19-foot nocturnal snake that has infiltrated the Florida Everglades, having no natural predator above it in the animal chain. While short sentences make the texts a bit choppy, these well-focused books are clearly written. The uncluttered page design features at least one color photo on each spread. Back matter includes a glossary, brief lists of books and Web sites, and a two-page global map showing the species’ range in its native region as well as its new habitat. Useful additions to a continuing series in the 21st Century Skills Library. Grades 5-8. --Carolyn Phelan