Books Jack Reads

If you're a parent, then you've most likely heard of David Walliams, the UK author famous for his hilarious and heartfelt novels like Billionaire Boy, Grandpa's Great Escape, and most recently, The Ice Monster. 

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But what you may not know is that David is also the author of a number of picture books featuring an assortment of animals all getting into entertaining, and often unusual, adventures! There's a Snake in my School is the fifth picture book David has written and is no exception.

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At school, Mrianda loves to be different. She adds flare to her school uniform, cartwheels down the corridor, and is famous for her funny answers to the teacher's questions.

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So when Bring-your-pet-to-school-day arrives, while all the other kids bring their dogs, cats, goldfish and gerbils, Miranda proudly shows off her own unique pet: her pet python Penelope.

 

Penelope soon becomes a big hit with everyone, but when Miss Bloat the headmistress doesn't think that snakes should be allowed in school, will Miranda and Penelope be able to prove her wrong?

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If your kids have read any of David's other picture books, then they'll enjoy this one.

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Children will love the idea of an unsual animal like a snake visiting a school, and will enjoy reading about all the different and creative games that Miranda and her snake do together, like when Miranda pretends that Penelope is a scarf, hula hoop, and even a third arm!

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Just like with David's other picture books, the talented Quentin Blake has a lot of fun with the illustrations in this story, from the different shapes that Penelope turns into thoughout the book, right down to small details like the skull and crossbones on the headmistress's door, and the file cabnet with the labels reading "Hard exam papers" and "Even harder exam papers".

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Overall, this is a funny and creative book that celebrates individuality, perfect for even the youngest fans of David and his work.