Book Trailer Premiere: Snakes on a Train by Kathryn Dennis

Hello! I am celebrating Snakes on a Train's book trailer and book birthday with author-illustrator Kathryn Dennis. I wrote the words in purple, and Kathryn wrote the words in black. Thank you, Kathryn! 

Snakes on a Train’s book trailer was created by the talented folks at Macmillan. I think we can agree it is sssssso cute!

Snakes are far more afraid of us than we are of them. You never see them screaming and waving their hands in the air. They just quietly slither off, their ears ringing. I myself am still a little afraid of snakes even after writing and illustrating a book about them. In 7th grade, my junior high science class raised money to purchase a baby boa constrictor. Richter The Boa Constrictor named after the instructor, Mr. Richter. It was allowed to wiggle free in the classroom, so I had to perform active surveillance before selecting a desk each day. These were desks with an enclosed space for books where Richter loved to curl up for naps. Consequently I spent most of my time focused on where the snake was rather than on science, which may explain why I am not a scientist. But who knew fear could provide such wonderful inspiration. 

Illustration Credit: Kathryn Dennis 

I hope Snakes on a Train lets snakes have their moment in the world of picture books. They have a lot of cute and furry competition but I think their bright colors and googly eyes might win over a few fans. Besides who wouldn’t want to spend a day riding on a train - these snakes are more than happy to save you a seat.

Magnolia’s Bookshop in Seattle is a small neighborhood gem. What could be better than spending the day surrounded by books, opening boxes of new books, or finding that “just right” book for a reader.

Illustration Credit: Kathryn Dennis 

School libraries are places where children learn anything is possible. I spent five years helping coach 4th and 5th graders for Seattle Public Libraries Global Reading Challenge, Battle of the Books. This particular school had a high poverty rate and many of the kids came from families that did not speak English as their first language. That first year, the librarian (a good friend of mine) had to beg just to fill a team of seven. By the fifth year, we had seven teams competing to represent the school. It was the first time many of these kids were recognized in a positive way by teachers, their parents, the principal, and even the Superintendent of Schools. But most of all, they discovered a love of reading and that books let you experience a world outside of yourself.

Mr. Schu, you should have asked me why toddlers are my inspiration. They enter the bookstore filled with joy, anticipation and a sense of discovery. They hug books and loudly share each and every book they have read or have at home on their bookshelf. They constantly remind me that happiness is really quite simple.

Borrow Snakes on a Train from your school or public library. Whenever possible, please support independent bookshops.