Anna and Otis

Anna and Otis, her pet snake, are the best of friends. One afternoon, Anna decides that she and Otis should explore the town, but Otis is worried – he knows that lots of people don’t like snakes. Despite Anna’s confidence, the townsfolk are quite mean to Otis, but Anna is resolute: people are only scared because they’ve never met a snake before.

Little by little, people find out that Otis is a great snake, and when a trip to Sally’s Wheels makes Otis the talk of the skate park, it’s the key to a new life full of amazing new friends.

This lovely story about friendship and tolerance is full of irreverent detail that builds a colourful and familiar world for Anna and Otis. Shearring’s accomplished illustration depicts the power of friendship in a bright, modern style. A delight of a book from a new talent.