Baby Rattlesnake [Paperback]

Lynn Moroney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 6, 1997 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Baby Rattlesnake throws tantrums to get his rattle before he's reads, but he misuses it and learns a lesson.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this winning retelling of a Native American tale, poor Baby Rattlesnake cries continuously because he doesn't have a rattle like his older brother and sister. The (rattlesnake) elders of the village finally decide to give in to the youngster, partially to silence his squalling. As predicted, the baby cannot handle the responsibility; when he loses his rattle, he comes crying home to his parents who "gave him big rattlesnake hugs." Reisberg's vivid, fanciful illustrations perfectly depict the Southwestern setting; her many comical touches include a derby-sporting father rattlesnake and a heavily made-up mother. The paintings' sparkling borders make splendid use of regional designs and fauna. Even very small children will understand--and profit from--this deceptively simple story's valuable lesson. Ages 4-10.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Baby Rattlesnake wants a rattle that's just like his big brother and sister's in this native American cautionary tale. The young snake makes such a ruckus that the elders decide to give in to him, even though he is still too young to use his rattle wisely. As the elders predict, Baby Rattlesnake creates mischief with his new power. He meets his match, however, when he tries to scare the chief's daughter, who is as strong and decisive as she is beautiful and proud. Humbled and without his rattle, the little snake returns to his forgiving family. Adapted from the work of Te Ata, a Chickasaw storyteller now in her 90s, the story is fast moving, dramatic, and economically told. The collage and cartoonlike paintings are cluttered, but the desert country colors are deftly combined to make the book bright and attractive. This short tale will be a welcomed addition to story hour collections. --Carolyn Polese, Gateway Community School, Arcata, CA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Children's Book Press (June 6, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892391111
• ISBN-13: 978-0892391110
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,509,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > United States

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Baby Rattlesnake wants to be grown up before he's ready, August 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Baby Rattlesnake (Paperback)

Many preschoolers will certainly relate to the main character's recognizable struggles with self-control and aggressive urges. Baby Rattlesnake wants a rattle of his own even though his family and all the other snakes know he's not old enough to respect the rules of rattling. His troubles begin when the community's elders finally let him have a rattle and he ventures forth in the dessert to scare someone with it. Unfortunately, he picks the WRONG human, with laugh-out-loud results. The story is told nonsentimentally in simple, crisp prose by Native American author Te Ata, a professional storyteller. In addition to being bright and appealing, the Southwestern-influenced illustrations can be used to teach colors, patterns and shapes. A unique, quality picture book that deserves a wider audience. Brief depictions of Native Americans are positive and non-stereotyping.

4.0 out of 5 stars Responsibility, September 29, 2011

By 

Annamarie Squailia (Reno, Nv) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Baby Rattlesnake (Paperback)

Length:: 1:14 Mins

There was a baby rattlesnake that wanted his rattle. His family told him that he needed to wait till he grew up. But he wanted it now. All he did was cry so the adults decided to give him a rattle even though they knew he would get into trouble.

When he got his rattle he played tricks on others. He thought it was fun to scare them. His family told him to stop but he refused. He ended up scaring the princess and she distroyed his rattle.

Sometimes adults do know what is best for you, and some times they will give in to you so you can learn a lesson.

5.0 out of 5 stars Baby Rattlesnake, July 23, 2011

By 

Marsha Sylvester - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baby Rattlesnake (Paperback)

A wonderfully woven re-telling of a Native American story. A young rattlesnake wishes it could have rattles like older snakes do.

Children will enjoy following Baby Rattlesnake's adventures in this desert tale.

Illustrator Mira Reisberg has created beautiful, bright desert scenes that make this inspiring picture book a great choice for readers.