A snail sets off in pursuit of "plump, crisp cabbage" across the road. Along the way, Snail meets (and helps) some ants, luckily dodges cars, trucks, and a crow, but gets turned around and ends up on the same side of the road. ("Well, shoot.") But what goes around comes around, and the ants roll a cabbage across the road to Snail - a happy ending for all. Funny and heartwarming. "The end" is written in snail trail on the back endpaper. ( )

A book where a snail AND ants are the protagonists! I have never seen that before and I LOVED it.

Background: the snail wants to get to the cabbage on the other side of the road but obstacles keep getting his way. (Think cars, birds, etc.) And some ants. While the snail could have abandoned the ants on his way to the cabbage....he doesn't....even though it messes up his plans. BUT good deeds to have a way of paying off.

I want more books with snails. Just sayin' ( )

Genre
Picture books for children
Tone
Feel-good
Sweet
Upbeat
Writing Style
Attention-grabbing
Illustration
Cartoony
Theme
Being a friend
Subject
Ants
Cabbages
Determination
Friendship
Helpfulness
Snails
Voyages and travels
Character
Anthropomorphic

There's often a bit of a gulf between some of the more... inspirational.... type of books teachers want for their classrooms and what I'd prefer to purchase for my general library population. So when I find a book that hits both levels, it's a happy, happy thing.

Corey R. Tabor, creator of the delightful Fox picture books and easy readers, is branching out into a new character - a snail! Soft, swirling watercolors with dabs of bright colors introduce Snail, a sweet pink creature with a blue slime trail and a plan - travel across the road to reach a field of lovely green cabbages. Snail slowly works across the road - nothing is going to stop him! Not a car, a group of rude ants, or a rainstorm. In fact, Snail being the kind creature he is, he invites the ants to take shelter in his shell during the rain and they have a very nice tea party.

After his little break, he's ready to tackle the road again, avoiding hungry crows, and finally makes it... only to make the depressing discovery that he's right back where he started! Does Snail have the determination to make the long journey all over again - or is there another way?

The themes of determination, resilience, and kindness resound throughout this book, as Snail makes his way towards his goal and finds some unexpected friends along the way. The soft watercolors and gentle humor make this a sweet storytime read and it has a timeless feel that will appeal to kids and adults alike.

Verdict: A nice choice for starting conversations about resilience, determination, and kindness to others as well as a fun story with delightful details to inspect. Recommended.

ISBN: 9780062878007; Published February 2020 by Balzer & Bray; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

A sweet, fun and distinctive book about a snail who becomes friends with a group of ants. The words don't tell the full story which makes it ideal for young children who like to pour over the pictures. ( )