“Cabbage bound! I’m cabbage bound! Head in the clouds, foot on the ground.” And boy is Snail ever! Nothing will stop them from getting those cabbages: not cars, crows or antsy ants. A funny scene about making friends and a not seen twist makes this a fun new story about determination and friendship.
I was not sure what to expect from Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor. Maybe I thought it would be about how a snail keeps on going, no matter the danger or problems they face. Maybe it would be a “slow and steady” wins the race. I did not expect a slightly dim, but sweet and very loving snail. I did not expect ants who get antsy. I did not expect the delightful scene when the ants head to snail’s house and have a cup of tea. When the light is flipped on, I found myself jumping a little as the room is illuminated.
The ending is, as mentioned about, a bit of a surprise, but refreshing. The theme of friends and helping is obvious, but not in a “in your face” way. There is a lot to enjoy about snail and the other creatures we meet as snail tries to cross a busy road to get some yummy cabbages. We see the dangers animals face when crossing streets, you can ask your child what they think is going ot happen, or what the item is (snail is too busy to be bothered with figuring things out. He is a one-track minded critter.) Slightly older children (possibly with some help) could also start reading on their own.