Haley,
I have a normal Rosy boa male that is full grown at about 2.5 feet long. He is the most calm snake that I've ever owned (but to be honest I've only owned 5 snakes). I purchased him at Petco and paid well over what you'd pay online or at a reptile show ($150). I cannot compare him to a children's python as I've never owned nor handled one, but I can say compared to my Dumeril's boa, and corn snakes he is much calmer. I keep him in a 20L terrarium. You can see some pictures of him here:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...lbumId=2661826