Book excerpt: What's green, and slithery, and smooth, and ...smart? My snake Blake, that's who! When my dad brought him home, he curved and twisted his body and spelled out "hello." And when my mom was worried he might bite, his response was "relax." This hilarious story about the friendship between a boy and his rather exceptional pet is brought to life by the simple yet delightful drawings of award-winning artist Serge Bloch.