Snail Has Lunch

June 15, 2016
Five busy chapters introduce a reticent snail to the glories of a garden. Peterson is no stranger to illustrating books about gardens and nature (Dig In!, 2016, etc.). Her first outing as both author and illustrator relies on cute critters rather than natural science. Snail, with bug eyes and an expressive, mostly smiling face, is encouraged to explore by his best friend, adventurous Ladybug. Gopher and Rabbit have speaking parts, while Squirrel and Bluebird play supporting roles. Although no specific reading level is identified, the new Aladdin PIX imprint targets reluctant readers ages 6 through 9 with sophisticated vocabulary. Snail is shown "ruminating" and "pondering." Short sentences, clear clues in the pictures, and varied typefaces keep the story accessible. The narrative is set in Archer, a friendly-looking serif type. Dialogue appears in squared-off speech bubbles. An all-uppercase blue display type is used for informational and descriptive words that are not part of the basic plotline. The center spread is a garden map. The story is slight; information embedded in the story is even slighter. The plot premise--that a snail would hesitate to venture out of a bucket--is just silly fun, but kids will relate to his hesitation to try new foods. Not as natural as Frog and Toad's clever repartee but a good purchase for children not quite ready for books without pictures but ready for chapters. (Early reader. 6-9)

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September 1, 2016

Gr 1-3-Snail loves his ordinary life. He eats the same meals every day, enjoys a cozy home-an old rusty bucket-and loves the monotony that comes along with both. When Snail's friend Ladybug tries to convince him to leave his bucket for the first time and join her for lunch in the garden, Snail declares that he has everything he needs and would rather not leave. But the very next day, a farmer comes to use Snail's bucket and unknowingly disrupts the creature's predictable lifestyle by accidentally dumping him out onto the ground. Ladybug reappears to find Snail scared and alone and takes him on a journey through the garden, exploring and sampling tasty vegetable and fruit delights. He makes friends with Gopher and Rabbit, tastes delicious strawberries for the first time, and unwittingly takes a bite of a hot pepper. This is a gentle tale about taking chances and trying new experiences, even if one does not feel ready to leave behind what's familiar to potentially try something different. There are a few unexpected twists, and Peterson's bright illustration style keeps the story light and entertaining, as do Snail's varied expressions of contentment, fear, excitement, disgust, and surprise. VERDICT This one is sure to be a bucket of fun for emergent readers with an interest in bugs and the natural world.-Amy M. Laughlin, Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2016
Grades 1-4 Snail is comfortable living in his rusty old bucket in the garden, and no matter what his friend Ladybug tells him about the world outside his home, he's reluctant to leave. He has no choice, however, when the farmer empties the bucket, and Snail tumbles to the ground. Ladybug uses Snail's eviction to show him the wonders of the garden, such as a delicious strawberry and some new friends, Gopher and Rabbit. But when Snail mistakes a spicy red pepper for a tasty treat, he's had enough exploring, and his friends help him get back home. Elementary-schoolers will be drawn in by the engaging short chapters and blocky, comic bookstyle illustrations, and they'll be comforted by Snail's positive experiences in the garden, despite his fear of leaving home.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)