This is an charming, old fashioned story set in a French village, where Madame Bodot lives all alone. One day her only son, who lives in Africa, sends her a boa constrictor in the post. The snake, who she names Crictor, proves highly diverting and is thoroughly spoilt. His antics, which include the eventual arrest of a burglar who breaks into Madame Bodot's house - and is clearly not expecting to be apprehended by her pet snake - earn him the praise of the whole village and a monument to celebrate his bravery! It is weird, quirky, and even educational as Crictor learns to read and several pages are dedicated to the letter shapes he can make by contorting his long body! This one really appeals to my sense of humour and I think a lot of kids will love it too - the illustrations are reminiscent of Seuss in their simpler colour palette and zaniness...I love it!

If you can't get hold of it in English, buy it in French for french pupils, or watch it on Youtube as a read aloud!