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tami_provencher's review against another edition
4.0
I had never imagined myself as a reptile. Now I have. And it was a surprisingly intriguing, and not altogether unpleasant, experience for me. I have Patrick Jennings’ book WE CAN’T ALL BE RATTLESNAKES to thank for it!
This book originally popped up on my radar when it was first published in 2009 but somehow it kept getting pushed farther down on my “to read” list. On my latest trip to the library I happened to see it on the shelf, knew it had been on my list for a while and checked it out.
I finished it in one sitting. The narrator is a snake who is captured by a young boy to be kept as a pet. She discovers this particular human has captured other reptiles (a tortoise and a lizard) with whom she can telepathically communicate. It is from them that she gains much of her information about her new circumstances.
Reptile facts are mixed in to dispel common misinformation. It also addresses the issue of capturing wild animals and keeping them as pets. One of the assets of the story is that the narrator is able to express anger and outrage about her captivity and yet, in the end, does not spew any hateful kind of venom at her boy captor, either physically or emotionally.
I enjoyed the story, itself, as well as learned things about reptiles I did not know (I have a limited knowledge of these animals in general). I also appreciated the fact that the ending is not a typical “happily ever after” and yet it is extremely satisfying and positive.
I would not use this as a read-aloud with a group of students due to two or three word choices. I would, however, recommend it highly as an independent read or an older child read-aloud with a parent. A child who has a particular interest in reptiles–especially snakes–will find the book hugely enjoyable!
This book originally popped up on my radar when it was first published in 2009 but somehow it kept getting pushed farther down on my “to read” list. On my latest trip to the library I happened to see it on the shelf, knew it had been on my list for a while and checked it out.
I finished it in one sitting. The narrator is a snake who is captured by a young boy to be kept as a pet. She discovers this particular human has captured other reptiles (a tortoise and a lizard) with whom she can telepathically communicate. It is from them that she gains much of her information about her new circumstances.
Reptile facts are mixed in to dispel common misinformation. It also addresses the issue of capturing wild animals and keeping them as pets. One of the assets of the story is that the narrator is able to express anger and outrage about her captivity and yet, in the end, does not spew any hateful kind of venom at her boy captor, either physically or emotionally.
I enjoyed the story, itself, as well as learned things about reptiles I did not know (I have a limited knowledge of these animals in general). I also appreciated the fact that the ending is not a typical “happily ever after” and yet it is extremely satisfying and positive.
I would not use this as a read-aloud with a group of students due to two or three word choices. I would, however, recommend it highly as an independent read or an older child read-aloud with a parent. A child who has a particular interest in reptiles–especially snakes–will find the book hugely enjoyable!
iambicwinter's review
When a female gopher snake is captured by a human child given the name of Crusher, she is understandably upset. As she gets to know the other captured animals in the boy's room and learn more about human customs, she becomes more and more set on escape. However, her captivity also exposes her to emotions she hasn't previously experienced, such as sympathy, and her thoughts of escape become more and more confused.
This title is a book with illustrations appropriate for grades 3-6.
This book would be a good fit for a public library to give to children who have questions about human-animal relationships and the ethics thereof. It would also be good for kids who enjoy a snarky narrator and looking at life from a very different perspective. There are also many opportunities for older readers to discuss this portrayal of modern American life and the problems of having wild animals as pets.
This title could be used for any programming that talks about responsible pet ownership or books that use animals to tell us more about human behavior.
This title is a book with illustrations appropriate for grades 3-6.
This book would be a good fit for a public library to give to children who have questions about human-animal relationships and the ethics thereof. It would also be good for kids who enjoy a snarky narrator and looking at life from a very different perspective. There are also many opportunities for older readers to discuss this portrayal of modern American life and the problems of having wild animals as pets.
This title could be used for any programming that talks about responsible pet ownership or books that use animals to tell us more about human behavior.
odiomnibusvobis's review
4.0
Loved it! A couple sad parts in the story but it was a good read! I finished it in one night. It is not that big.
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