Verdi doesn't want to grow up- he likes his yellow with black stripes and his speed, and adults are big, green, and BORING. But, after a series of adventures he can appreciate taking time to stop and rest.

Much like Stellaluna, gorgeous illustrations by the author, along with pen and ink drawings on the text pages. ( )

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Verdi is full of beautiful, lush, vibrant illustrations. It tells a story of a baby python. He and all his siblings are born yellow and his mother's wish for them all is that they grow up big and green. But Verdi doesn't want that. He thinks the green pythons are boring and lazy and does not want to be like them. Verdi is afraid of change. He does not want to grow up because he thinks he will not be him anymore. But the story is about Verdi learning that change isn't necessarily bad and who you are remains the same. It is a story about not being afraid of change or growing up, about not assuming your ideas and choices are always the best, about learning that (sometimes at least) your elders might actually know something you don't. It is beautifully told in a quiet voice so you are hearing the message without realizing there is a message. Children will learn the lessons but think they are just listening to a sweet story about a loveably baby python. ( )

Verdi is a young yellow python who does not want to turn green and grow up. The older green pythons are boring according to Verdi, and he tries different tricks to stay yellow. Do they work? Is Verdi able to stay green? Read this exciting story to find out!

Read this book with Calvin, a visiting kid. It's an engaging story well integrated with fantastic drawings. ( )