The Mystery of the Ball Python follows a snake-loving girl who discovers a ball python at a construction site and uses this experience to help educate her friends about snakes. What was the inspiration for your story?

Snakes are often misidentified and misunderstood, and frankly, I used to be afraid of them. The more I learned about snakes including how to identify the various local species, the less fearful I became. I got the idea for the series when my daughter and I went exploring a creek with friends, and we discovered several nonvenomous water snakes that a Snake ID group helped confirm. Seeing the girls so curious was a huge inspiration as was the content covered in the Snake ID group. Given the popularity of ball pythons as pets (and how they are occasionally found out in the wild due to escaping or being dumped), I knew I wanted to write a story centered around one.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

In The Mystery of the Ball Python, I especially wanted to write about the responsibility of pet ownership. I’m thankful a snake expert reviewed the story to make sure it addresses the proper care and keeping of ball pythons in particular.

When researching ball pythons for this story, what was the most interesting fact you discovered?

​Goodness, there are so many interesting facts, though I was most surprised to learn that ball pythons can have, umm, loud flatus.

What is the next book with Naomi that you are working on, and when will it be available?

Naomi Nash: The Drama Noodle was recently released. Naomi, Emma, and Taylor are heading to drama camp, but the drama doesn’t stay at camp. Word is spreading about the snake-saving club, and when a local news crew asks to interview the club, things grow tense. Naomi wants to teach people more about snakes, but she’s not the only one who longs for a moment of fame. During the interview, things go from bad to worse. Can Naomi salvage the interview, her drama camp performance, and the club?

I hope to write more books in the series in the near future!

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