Beware the Burmese Pythons: And Other Invasive Animal Species

Beware the Burmese Pythons takes a look at invasive animal species, why they are considered invasive and the damage they do to ecosystems.

Etta Kaner and Phil Nicholls have created a fascinating book showcasing 10 different invasive animals from pythons to snakehead fish to nutria. Presented primarily in a graphic format, each chapter focuses on one invasive animal and its habitat, where it has invaded and the damage it has done. Each chapter ends with some ideas concerning what we can do about that invasive animal. The ideas range from how to scare some invasive animals away to how to make the habitat less attractive to not releasing them in the first place.

The graphic format allows a lot of facts to be presented to readers while keeping their attention. Invasive species are a complex problem, and Beware the Burmese Pythons does a good job of explaining the issues in a way that readers will understand without the issues or the solutions being oversimplified. Suggestions for actions by readers are kept simple, such as checking boats, camping gear and other equipment for “hitchhikers”. Readers are also asked to think about what they would do if they were a scientist or conservation officer.

Etta Kaner keeps the language very age-appropriate while still providing good information to readers. For any terms that readers might not know, there is a glossary at the back with good concise definitions. Also at the back are age-appropriate further reading suggestions for interested readers.

Beware the Burmese Pythons provides a good look at why invasive animals are a problem, including how the problem was created and what can be done about it. The format for presenting the information makes it easy to read and highly engaging for readers.