Verdi
by Janell Cannon
from Harcourt Children's Books
Verdi is a proud python, flourishing in the flower of his youth. He loves to swiftly slither around the forest, brandishing his bright yellow skin, and can't fathom why anyone would want to be sleepy and green like the adult snakes he knows. Verdi insists, as so many youngsters do, "I will never be lazy, boring or green!" Despite his resolve to stay young, one day he notices a patch of green spreading down the length of his body. Verdi does everything he can think of to erase this first sign of the inevitable tide of age. But in his frenzy of youthful, Icarus-like bravado, he nearly kills himself. Finally, Verdi learns that even though he can't stop the aging process, green skin won't keep him from being a fun-loving, young-at-heart, figure-eight-forming snake.
Janell Cannon's illustrations are exquisite. As in her award-winning Stellaluna, not only are the animal drawings painstakingly accurate, they are also awash with movement and beauty. The countless shades of greeny-yellow and yellowy-green have the effect of a cool eye compress for the reader--calming, inviting, and enticing readers to reach into the lush environment of the pages. Verdi's lesson is never didactic, always compelling, and pleasantly surprising. (Ages 4 and older)
Verdi Plush Finger Puppet
by Janell Cannon
from Harcourt Children's Books
Verdi, Janell Cannon's bestselling picture book, has captured the affection of readers everywhere. Now the feisty yellow snake who doesn't want to grow up to be boring and green is available as a soft and flexible finger puppet-just the right size for little fingers! Although small in size, Verdi is BIG on fun. He's the perfect companion for story time, playtime-any time! Wrap him around your wrist and he's ready to go anywhere your imagination takes you.
Verdi Plush Hand Puppet
by Janell Cannon
from Harcourt Children's Books
Meet Verdi the python. His motto: "I will never be lazy, boring or green!" No worry there. Drenched in a delicious banana-yellow and sporting a puppet-style mouth with a forked felt tongue, this smooth 32-inch snake slithers off the pages of Janell Cannon's beloved bestseller Verdi into the arms of kids who've dreamed of a Verdi they could hug. Taller Verdi fans will find this loosely coiled python adds a fetching touch of the jungle when draped over a curtain rod, or when peacefully resting on a nest of pillows. (Fans of Cannon's favorite fruit bat Stellaluna will also enjoy the Stellaluna Finger Puppet and Book Set). (Ages 3 and older)
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