Verdi
By Janell Cannon
The Story
A young python born bright yellow with sporty stripes refuses to grow up big, green, and boring like the older snakes around him — even when a pale green stripe starts creeping across his skin.
Why It's Special
For the kid who insists on wearing the same favorite shirt every day and hates being told to act their age, Verdi is a jungle-sized nod that being yourself is worth defending.
- Big idea: Growing up doesn't mean losing what makes you, you.
- Vibes: Lush, jungle-green artwork with a stubborn, funny, tender heart.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on accepting change they can't control
- enjoy animal characters with big personalities
- respond well to stories about standing out from the crowd
- like to study richly detailed nature illustrations
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What did Verdi try to do to stop the green stripe from spreading?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Verdi felt when he saw the older green snakes acting lazy and rude?
- Real-life connection: Has something about you ever changed even though you didn't want it to?
- Imagination: If you were born a different color than everyone else, how would you want to be different from them?
- Big idea: Why do you think Verdi was still himself even after he turned green?
