The Greedy Python

A huge hungry snake tries to swallow every animal that he sees in the jungle

ea. vol: illus. by Eric Carle. unpaged. CIP. Picture Book Studio, dist. by Alphabet Pr. Aug. 1985. pap. $3.95. PreSchool-Grade 2 Combining Buckley's original verse based on Aesop's themes with Carle's bold, vibrant collages creates a dynamic collaboration. Joined artistically for two allegorical tales, the duo blend their verbal and visual talents to create well-paced suspenseful fables. At times Buckley's terminology will elude his younger readers/listeners, but the metered message maintains a familiar pattern. Thus, integrated with the illustrations, the texts flow flawlessly in their interpretations of slow but safe and of greed. With typical aplomb Carle splashes the pages with greens, yellows, browns and blues, recreating many of his popular creatures. The foolish tortoise finds that although his shell may make him slow, it also protects him from preying animals and the elements. The greedy python, having made himself sick by gobbling up every animal in sight, finds that his last greedy gulp, his own tail, is his final gulp. Of the two tales, children will take more delight in the plight of the python due to its pervasive humor, yet both stories are painless prophets of moral values. Cathy Woodward, Lima City Schools, Ohio
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.