Python

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.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist

Gr 4-6-Each volume begins with an exciting, true-life story of humans encountering these creatures in unexpected places. The books continue with too-brief sections describing life cycle, diet, natural habitat, and natural predators, and then focus on how each animal has moved to a new habitat (thanks to humans) and turned into an invasive species there. The clear but slightly dry narratives are surrounded by ample white space, and each page features large, sharp, color photographs of creatures or their habitats. Some of the photos (such as one of a sunset on an Australian beach in Spotted Jellyfish) are extraneous. Inset boxes with captions such as "21st Century Content" and "Life and Career Skills" discuss recent developments (including scientists' new, more accurate term for jellyfish-sea jellies) and related careers, and are intended to further classroom discussion. These books will be good jumping-off points for research, but children will need more in-depth materials in order to really learn about the animals.-Denise Schmidt, San Francisco Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.