The Anaconda

What happens when a snake swallows a skink to catch the tick that made her tummy hop and kick? Will she be sick?

Anaconda tells the unexpected story of the world's largest snake. Written by Jes�s Rivas, the undisputed expert on the biology of anacondas, this is the first authoritative book on the biology of the green anaconda. In this book, Rivas describes his experiences over a quarter of a century, exploring the secret life of these fantastic snakes, including: their diet, movement patterns, life and tribulations, survival, behavior, and fascinating reproductive life. More than just presenting facts about anacondas, Rivas tells his story about studying them in the field. Anaconda presents a comprehensive treatment of the natural history of the elusive green anacondas. Drawing on twenty-five years of research on this reptile in the wild and in captivity, Rivas delves into the biology, behavior, demography, reproductive habits, and diet of the anaconda, as well as issues relating to its conservation. Rivas uses an ecological and evolutionary framework to present his research and supplements hard data with descriptions of his research methods, including how he tracked down the anaconda for observation and study in wild. The resulting book is a complete and engaging examination of the world's largest snake. The rich photographs provided, paired with Rivas' storytelling, makes this the perfect book for anyone looking to learn (or even learn more!) about this mysterious snake.

What do you do when your teacher assigns you ten pages of homework, a raptor swoops down and grabs you, and you suddenly find yourself all alone in the jungle about to be swallowed by a python? When you're Digby, the solution to every problem is in your backpack.

Green anacondas are the heaviest snakes in the world. Learn all about these amazing creatures, from their habits to their habitats. Includes a glossary and color photographs.

"It has been said that, among the continents, South America will teach it to you: God and the Devil are the same; this last great reservoir of primordial wilderness is at once both Garden of Eden and green sweltering Hell." In the dead of a Chicago winter, a twenty-something middle-school biology teacher, Andie Easter, and six young colleagues, hatch a plan to spend their summer in Brazil, hoping to reverse their meager fortunes by joining a modern-day gold rush on a tributary of the mighty Amazon. Disoriented and increasingly isolated, the treasure hunters stray into the remote domain of three colossal snakes: daughter, mother, grandmother. One by one, under terrifying circumstances, the teachers fall victim to the devastating effects of gold fever and the relentless brutality of the primeval South American jungle. Andie Easter must discover her inner Amazon to avoid becoming prey for the Mother of All Snakes.

Award-winning combat journalist Sean Naylor reveals a firsthand account of the largest battle fought by American military forces in Afghanistan in an attempt to destroy al-Qaeda and Taliban forces. At dawn on March 2, 2002, America's first major battle of the 21st century began. Over 200 soldiers of the 101st Airborne and 10th Mountain Division flew into Afghanistan's Shah-i-Kot Valley—and into the mouth of a buzz saw. They were about to pay a bloody price for strategic, high-level miscalculations that underestimated the enemy's strength and willingness to fight. Naylor, an eyewitness to the battle, details the failures of military intelligence and planning, while vividly portraying the astonishing heroism of these young, untested US soldiers. Denied the extra support with which they trained, these troops nevertheless proved their worth in brutal combat and prevented an American military disaster.

This story is about two great friendsAlphonse, an alpaca, and Antony, an anaconda. Alphonse and Antony live with a family. Oswald is the father, Vicky is the mother, and they have three children: Andrew, Charlotte, and Harriet. Antony helps Alphonse arrange a hot-air ballooning holiday, and the story portrays Alphonse, his alpaca friends, and their adventures in a small seaside town in Wales called Aberystwyth. As the alpacas enjoy their holiday, Oswald (a hotel manager) has the challenge of rescuing his career and, in doing so, reviving the fortunes of the Grand Hotel in Cheltenham.

At one time rainforests covered about 14% of the earth's surface; now they're reduced to just 6%. As home to some of the most diverse plant and animal species ever known, this decline has grave implications for both man and animal kingdoms. A is for Anaconda: A Rainforest Alphabet explores the world's rainforests as it explains their important role and showcases their wonders. Nature writer Anthony Fredericks gives an A-Z tour of the many facets and fascinating facts of these tropical environments. Exotic inhabitants including the basilisk lizard and kinkajou are highlighted, along with explanations of forest structure such as understory and canopy. In A is for Anaconda young readers will meet the many endangered plant and animal species, understand the progression of a food web, and appreciate why the rainforest has been called the "world's medicine chest."Anthony D. (Tony) Fredericks is a frequent traveler to the rainforests of Hawaii and Central America. He is the author of many nature and animal books for children, including several award-winning titles. When not visiting classrooms across the country, Tony teaches education courses at York College in York, PA. Laura Regan is nationally known for her rich, contemporary style of painting and her many award-winning children's books featuring exotic flora and fauna. Her artwork has been used to raise funds for many wildlife organizations. Laura lives in the Bay Area in California.