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Snail and Slug

Illustrated by Denys Cazet
LIST PRICE $17.99

About The Book

From the critically acclaimed author of The Perfect Pumpkin Pie comes a picture book about the friendship between a snail and a slug that teaches readers how good friends can help you do anything, including finding the courage to make a difference.

It’s a hot, hot day and Snail invites her new friend Slug into her home for some iced tea—who knew that a snail’s shell is so roomy! When the two decide to have a picnic outside in the shade, a big mean ol’ banana slug demands that they fork over their lettuce! But with a little bit of courage, friendship, and a dash of salt, the pair will find the strength they need to stand up to him.

About The Author

Denys Cazet is the author and illustrator of more than forty books for children. Among these are such favorites as Never Spit on Your Shoes, I’m Not Sleepy, and fourteen titles in the Minnie and Moo series for beginning readers. He lives with his wife and sons in Pope Valley, California.

About The Illustrator

Denys Cazet is the author and illustrator of more than forty books for children. Among these are such favorites as Never Spit on Your Shoes, I’m Not Sleepy, and fourteen titles in the Minnie and Moo series for beginning readers. He lives with his wife and sons in Pope Valley, California.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books (May 3, 2016)
  • Length: 32 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481445061
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 4 - 8
  • Lexile ® AD470L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

Asnail with a Tardis-like shell proves that her heart is just as big. Snail andSlug are wilting in the summery heat near a small stream. After Slug bemoansher lack of a shell (or even a pocket!), Snail invites her inside for a colddrink. "Oh, don't worry, my house is bigger than it looks." Thisproves to be an understatement, as Snail has a full kitchen (with adishwasher), living room, two bedrooms, a library, a cellar, and an attic.During this tour, Slug and Snail get better acquainted: both lost their spousesto predators; Snail is a good reader; Slug is a good cook and likes to make upsongs. And on a picnic together, Slug proves her resourcefulness andfriendship. In the end, as readers will already have predicted, Snail offers toshare her home with Slug. Cazet's mixed-media illustrations in a pastel paletteportray the quiet domesticity of Snail's life and abode. The two friends looksimilar, Snail blue and slightly larger and with longer antennae than pinkSlug. Four Eyes the bully banana slug may have readers combing their gardens,but Four Eyes' obviously agony under Slug's salt treatment may turn them offthat time-honored pest-control method. The beginning of a beautiful gastropodfriendship; similar to watching the protagonists in action in real life. (Picturebook. 4-7)

– Kirkus Reviews, 3/1/16

On a beautiful sunny day in the forest, Snail and Slug discuss the need to protect their sensitive skin from the heat of the sun.Slug remarks that Snail is very fortunate to have a house to crawl into.Thoughtfully, Snail kindly invites Slug in for a visit. As they tour Snail’s lovely home, the ladies get to know each other a little better. Snail loves to read, while Slug is a terrific cook. They decide to have a picnic; Slug will provide the delicious menu, and Snail will read after they lunch. Their delightful afternoon is disturbed, however, by an enormous banana slug threatening to steal their food and maybe even eat them! With quick thinking and a handy saltshaker, disaster is averted, and the two realize that life would be better together. This book has it all—friendship, kindness, adventure, a villain, and even a little sadness as Snail and Slug mention the loss of their mates. Not only are the bright and cheery watercolor illustrations warm and inviting, they also add heart and feeling to the pleasing text. Life with a friend makes each day a little brighter. VERDICT A cozy picture book read-aloud in the same vein as Arnold Lobel’s beloved “Frog and Toad” books. A solid addition.

– School Library Journal, May 1, 2016

When Snail invites Slug into her shell “by the edge of a small creek” on a particularly sunny day, readers will be charmed by the surprising turn of events. Snail’s shell may look too small, just like your average swirly snail shell, but, as Snail exclaims, “You can’t always judge a book by its cover.” Slug is delighted to discover that Snail’s shell is spacious and bright, including rooms like a kitchen (perfect for cooking, Slug’s favorite hobby); a living room; a bedroom; and a magnificent library (Snail adores a good book). Their welcoming, nonchalant, and calm personalities lead to a fast friendship. The story starkly takes a bully-driven turn of events when the two decide to enjoy a picnic: an unexpected (and mean) visitor lurking in the bushes tries to ruin their pleasant afternoon, but it’s nothing a little salt can’t fix! Cazet’s colorful, cartoonish art has soft edges and a warm palette, befitting the friendly story. Quiet, odd, and elemental, this is a nice, offbeat addition to collections of friendship tales.

– Booklist, 7/21/16

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More books from this author: Denys Cazet