Danny Diamondback, by Barry E. Jackson

Rating: Additional

HarperCollins, 2008, $17.89
ISBN: 9780061131851

Age/Grade Level: Preschool to Grade 2

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Danny the Diamondback's parents neglected to tell him that he is a poisonous snake. So he is very surprised when other creatures run in fear. He finally finds a friend in an extremely nearsighted prairie dog. This is the first children's picture book by Barry E. Jackson, who has worked on several notable animated movies including Shrek. I hope he tries again, because the illustrations are wonderful; scenic vistas with marvelous depth and characters with very expressive faces. The text, however, is so "folksy" that it seems forced rather than natural. Example: "Out popped Danny, hissin' and a-rattlin' like no tomorrow!" Maybe the author will get a more rigorous editor next time.

Reviewer: Mary Smith, Orange County Public Library/El Toro Branch