“Colorsss asks, what can snakes teach us about colors and the world around us? Dr. Deborah A. Hutchinson has crafted a fun and engaging walk through nature that helps introduce kids to the spectrum of colors! Readers start with eggshell white, and learn about all the dazzling colors, stripes, and patterns snakes emerge with from their shells.
We also learn about how snakes use these colors to make their way around the world. Sometimes that means they are boldly colored to ward off predators who might be interested in having them for lunch, while other snakes use their colors to hide! We learn about all of the primary colors of these fascinating reptiles, as well as two out of the three secondary colors, and the color black. Because of all the many colors and combinations that snakes can have, you never know where a snake might be! Some of their patterns help them become almost invisible in leaves, grass, or rocks! We learn the word “camouflage” and how it is a very cool way that snakes can hide themselves from larger predators, or make a sneak attack on their prey. Yes, some snakes are venomous, and we have to be careful around them, but Dr. Deborah cultivates a great sense of intrigue around each and every snake, drawing us in with her passion about these incredible animals. They may lack the cuddliness of mammals, but they are still an important part of our ecosystem, and we should instill a sense of respect and understanding about them in our young people. This book has a fun recap of all the snakes that we see throughout the book. This is great for reviewing colors and patterns, making this read even more interactive and educational. As an educator, I would have loved to see the color purple in this just to officially round out the secondary colors, and potentially tan/brown to bring in a rattlesnake tail. I love the section on venom and poison and what we’re learning from them scientifically. Overall, this is a great way to get kids interested in mastering their colors and to begin to learn more about snakes in a way that is safe and secure, perhaps before a trip to the zoo, where they can see a snake in real life.” — Elizabeth Upshur, Reader Views (See 5-star review HERE) 
“Colorsss by Deborah A. Hutchinson is a unique and fascinating introduction to snakes using their striking colors. The rhyming text accompanies one full-color image per spread. The first photo shows a snake hatching out of a white egg. From there, the variety and colors increase. Some snakes feature one color only, while others have multiple hues. After the rhyming portion, which is suitable for very young children, a question-and-answer section follows. Details about a snake’s defenses and how to safely interact with and appreciate snakes are included. The author has also penned a letter encouraging parents to demonstrate to their children the value of all species of nature. The last page identifies each snake that is mentioned and where they reside.
Colorsss is an attractive and informative presentation of snakes for even the youngest explorers. The text and photos work together beautifully. While not your typical preschool color book, all the standard colors are here: red, yellow, green, and blue. The difference is that the pictures demonstrate the incredible variety of shades found in each color. Deborah Hutchinson does a wonderful job of explaining the difference between venomous, nonvenomous, and poisonous snakes. I learned a few things myself, but the information is very accessible for kids. The overriding message that the author succeeds in conveying is that snakes are a valuable and necessary part of nature. Introducing children to them in a non-threatening way will help kids develop respect for them. Colorsss is a stellar initiation into the world of reptiles.” — Kristine Zimmerman, Readers’ Favorite (5-star review) “Vibrant, educational, and fun… Hutchinson’s latest slithers in with a playful hiss and a bold mission: to turn fear into fascination. The book begins with a white egg, unfolding into a spectrum of snakes—red, orange, yellow, even pink—each real, striking, and worthy of attention. The well-paced rhymed verse holds young readers’ focus while inviting them to see snakes not as nightmares but as nature’s masterpieces. The transition to nonfiction is smooth. Hutchinson walks readers through the reasons behind all that color (camouflage, warning signals, survival strategies) without oversimplifying, and her explanation of “venomous” versus “poisonous” is precise. She reminds readers that most snakes aren’t dangerous and that the venom in a snake’s bite might one day help save a life. But the real bite comes in the note to grown-ups. Kids aren’t born fearing snakes, she argues. They learn it from us. So, stop recoiling and start teaching. Snakes kill pests, cure diseases, and keep ecosystems humming. They’re not monsters; they’re miracles with scales. More than a picture book, this is a vibrant, slyly persuasive lesson in wonder and respect. A beautiful book that gives snakes their due and gives readers a reason to look twice before saying “ew.” A must-have for school and public libraries.” — The Prairies Book Review (See review HERE) “Colorsss delivers a vibrant and educational journey into the world of snakes—their dazzling colors, remarkable traits, and the wonders of their natural habitats. From beginning to end, it offers fascinating insights that illuminate the richness of the animal kingdom. Deborah A. Hutchinson, PhD, has crafted an educational book that draws readers into the captivating world of snakes. With vibrant imagery and fascinating facts, each page bursts to life—sparking curiosity and leaving children inspired to discover even more about these incredible creatures.” — Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Review “What a marvelous book! Colorsss weaves together poetic prose and beautiful photographs into a symphony singing the praises of snakes. It has something for every child, starting with simple rhymes for the young kiddos then moving into cool science facts about snakes for more advanced readers.” — Dr. Emily Taylor, Professor of Biological Sciences, Cal Poly “Why is nature so colorful? You can find the answer in this informative book that teaches children about colors and the snakes that display them.” — Dr. Akira Mori, Professor of Zoology, Kyoto University “This delightful book uses color and rhyme to introduce some of the world’s most fascinating, charismatic, and misunderstood creatures—snakes. Even the youngest children will marvel at their beauty and their rainbow hues, and the later pages provide authoritative background to teach them more about these interesting animals.” — Dr. Alan Savitzky, Professor of Biology, Utah State University |