A very colorful and interesting story. This book tells a really cool nonfictional tale that is sure to excite young readers. The book is colorful, fun, and something I hope many classrooms and libraries will be adding to their shelves.

My child used this book as a book report for one of her classes. She was very interested in animals/reptiles and thought this would be a good book for her to read and review and write a report for her class. It worked out perfectly and she learned new things about tracking pythons. Thank you for the opportunity to review.

As a snake pet owner (2 corns, 1 ball python, and a 7'2 boa) I was skeptical about if Tracking Pythons would do justice to explaining the issues in Florida around Burmese Pythons without also demonizing them. Kate Messner has surprised me and done a great job of not only capturing the extensive ecosystem damage; but also ensuring that people understand this is not the fault of the snakes. They are just trying to survive. This problem is the fault of humans. We put the first Burmese there, as they are not native to Florida, and their destructive nature is just them trying to eat and live.
I also really liked that the scientists are profiled here. Both men and women from different backgrounds and with different reasons for being involved in the research and intervention that is happening in Florida. I think it's important for children to be able to see why people do the jobs they do; it can help them determine what their love and desire is (and not just give into societal or parental pressure).

The tales in this book are all sad. Tracking Pythons does show how dangerous and vicious Burmese Pythons can be; but Messner continues to point out that the snake is just being a snake. And I think that's super important as well. Poor snakes are a reptile with a bad reputation. They are often a common fear in people (which fair as many are venomous) and don't tend to play well with other mammals or reptiles (including many eating their own kind!). And yet they are fascinating, in my opinion, and some of the easiest and most docile pets you can own. My 7 foot + boa and I are snuggle buddies. Yeah I know he just likes the warmth but he's also so cute; and maybe one day will make an intruder think twice (lol).

It should be said though that there are necropsy pics, insertion of transmitters, and other (potentially) graphic photographs and procedures in Tracking Pythons. So if your child (or you) are squeamish or will be upset by how the snakes are treated, or that they are being captured and euthanized due to their ecosystem killing ways; then this is not the book for you. If you live in the Florida area, travel there, or have a child that loves snakes then this is a great, educational, engaging book.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

In this page-turner of scientific investigation, author Kate Messner joins a team of scientists investigating the impact of Burmese pythons whose "invasion" of South Florida is threatening the native ecosystem. Loaded with information, photographs, anecdotes, and even emotion, the book successfully shows scientists at work, trying to maintain balance in an ecosystem that is threatened by the pythons. The scientists' dedication to their work, their admiration and appreciation of the snakes, and their keen interest in on-going research shines through. So does the author's interest in this topic. Excellent back matter includes an author's note, bibliography, timeline, and glossary. An excellent choice for upper elementary and middle grade readers.

An interesting account of the Burmese python population in South Florida and what scientists are doing to regulate this invasive species. They are now considered a vulnerable species in Asia, their native habitat, even while they are thriving in Florida. Messner does an outstanding job in detailing the reasons why this population has to be controlled with an infographic of their diet as they grow to 15 ft. They have become the apex predators, competing with already endangered species like the Florida panther, and are eating their way through the smaller native animals! An engaging read with amazing photographs, including a python squeezing its prey and several showing another regurgitating an entire 35 pound fawn so be aware, if you are a particularly sensitive reader!

I have a BS in Environmental science and also have family who live in the Keys, so pythons are a known part of my life. I think this book is important to read so that people can know the scientific side of this invasive species.

A nice look at pythons from the perspective of the scientists tracking and studying them. This is a fresh update for any libraries looking to add not only a book about pythons in general, but also about the ecological ramifications of the invasive pythons in the southern United States.

The photographs in this text were really well done. I especially like the cover, which I compared to some we had on the shelf. This was a nice image of a snake a natural (albeit invaded) habitat rather than one on a plain background or even in a tank. I appreciate the realism here. I think it also does the reader a service to see where the snakes are out an about --and how close they are to their backyards.

Additionally, I think this is a nice view into the careers of field herpetologists that would really excite young reptile enthusiasts.

Highly engaing look at the burmese pythons living in Southern Florida. Kate Messner takes the reader through the work being done by The Conservancy of Southwest Florida to study, capture, tag and reduce the population of this highly invasive species. It is a must own for every single library and we study how to reduce invasive species throughout the US so that ecosystems continue to thrive and flourish.
Included within are QR codes that link to even more information and videos that will captivate the reader.
My only wish is that she create one for younge students.

I recently watched a documentary about the problems Florida has with Pythons. What started out as a few snakes in the late 70's has now blossomed into thousands, if not millions, of the large snakes causing havoc in the Florida ecosystem. This book explains the problem in an age appropriate manner for middle grade age children, with color photos and scannable QC codes that load supplemental videos and other information.

This book would be great supplemental reading for a science class or just for a fun, interactive reading experience. It is written for children, but as an adult I still enjoyed reading about the snakes, the problems they cause and what is being done to solve the problem.

Great book! Very enjoyable interactive reading experience!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Lerner Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

This book will appeal to both young readers and teachers. There are photos, QR codes that provide access to video clips of snakes and researchers in action, and plenty of details about the pythons and their impact on the Florida ecosystems they have invaded. Profiles and photos of the researchers are provided, along with details and photos about some of the MVPs (most valuable pythons) that are used by the program to help locate other snakes in the wild. Tips on responsible pet ownership are also included. Educators will be pleased with the helpful features such as sidebars on related topics (other invasive species stories, details of python anatomy, how radio telemetry works), a timeline of the Burmese python invasion, source notes, and recommendations for further reading. I especially enjoyed the author's note in which Messner explained how a newspaper article aroused her curiosity and led to the writing of the book.

Highly recommended for middle grade readers. NOT for the squeamish or those who are frightened by snakes. The photos show close-ups of the snakes and details of necropsies (examining dead snakes for clues about their eating habits and other details). But those who love everything about snakes and other predators and don't mind, or even enjoy, the 'ick" factor - will love every page.

Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem by Kate Messner is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, so when one showed up dead along the side of a Florida highway in 1979, scientists wondered where it came from. No one knew the snakes had launched a full-scale invasion. Pet pythons that escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild, and these enormous predators began eating every animal in their path. Today a group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is tracking Burmese pythons to find ways to stop their spread. Page Plus links lead to video clips and photos of the scientists working in the field. Delve into the science of pythons and their role as invasive predators.

Tracking Pythons is a well researched and written book that offers readers a look at how delicate the balance in a ecosystem can be, and how something that seems small can cause extreme changes. Whether the first pythons in Florida were escaped or released pets, or stowaways, is less important than the studies and efforts to understand and control their impact on an area that is already facing environmental stress. I liked the conversational tone and the backgrounds stories for some of the scientists that are working on the problem, and the details of the field and lab work that can be involved. I think the combination gives readers a good look at what they might do if their find a career in the field. I really enjoyed getting to know more about the lengths that go into keeping the environment and the creatures in it, as healthy as possible despite the damage being done both intentionally and unintentionally by man. I really like the use of additional digital content for interested readers. So many kids have phones and tablets on hand, and leading them to reputable and interesting resources is a great way to keep their attention and encourage further research. I also liked the concises timeline for the python population, as well as the fact that the book included a glossary and page of resources for further reading. I found the book to be well done and accessible for interested readers.

Tracking Pythons is an interesting and engaging read and I think it would be a great addition to public, school, and classroom libraries.

I learned so many python facts. Awesome. Also a good introduction to invasion biology. Would recommend to all 22yo reptile enthusiasts and probably children, too.

This book gives a fascinating look at Burmese pythons in South Florida while also giving a glimpse into what invasive species are and how they are dealt with in various areas around the world. The writing is well done in first person that really gives the reader the feeling of being part of the crew. The photographs are also captivating. The book concludes with tips for preventing invasive species in the first place. Highly recommended!

book to introduce young readers to the important topic of invasive species. It’s well written, giving enough and interesting information which clearly lays out the issues.

Really well done and I highly recommend to children and adults

Did you know a python can eat something that weighs more than it does? You do now, and you can learn so much more from this amazing book.

The text is smooth flowing. It's like reading the script from a nature documentary; they are just telling you all these facts, and backstory, that it doesn't feel like a textbook or some boring 'Let's Learn About' book.

The images tell so much of the stories of the individuals involved. They are right there, beside the scientists, interns, and the snakes themselves. Vivid colours, great close ups, bring the reader into the story while learning about the impact these predators are having. Kids and adults can enjoy this book, and it will jump start more conversations about the impact that we have on the environment around us.

Absolutely wonderful work. It is knowledgeable and at the same time engrossing. The kids who are interested in field science would definitely love it. The links to the field work videos are nice addition. Definitely recommended.

Tracking Pythons was a fascinating read! This is one of those books, where you frequently have to stop and tell those within earshot a fascinating fact. It is meant to be shared! Lots of great photos and side notes. The humanity shown by the scientists was very touching. This was recommended as a children's book, but I feel it would be very appropriate for middle school and for reluctant high school readers. As an adult, it read like a well-written magazine article. Lots of resources and additional information are available. A must-have for any Florida library.