The Snail and the Whale
by Julia Donaldson
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Book Reviews of The Snail and the Whale
Book Review: We LOVE this book!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of those books that I could read every night and not get sick of. In fact, over the past three years I HAVE read it every night for weeks at a time and still love the flow of the text.
My favorite lines include, "And she gazed at the sky, the sea, the land, The waves and the caves and the golden sand. She gazed and gazed, amazed by it all, And she said to the whale, 'I feel so small.'" The word "small" is in a smaller font than the rest of the text and is so appropriate for the two page spread that includes the tiny snail (barely visible) amidst a scene of snowy mountains, forests, bears, bald eagles, the sea.
Perfect for teaching the concept that it doesn't matter how big or small you are, you ARE important and CAN be successful. As the snail sets off on his mission (I won't spoil it), the text reads "'I must not fail,' said the tiny snail." GREAT lesson!
Can you tell that we love this book?!?!?
Book Review: Goes to the Top Ten List
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't say enough about this book that hasn't already been said. At 5 stars it sells itself.
What I will add is that each time there has been an event or opportunity to share a book with other children besides my daughter, THIS is the book that is chosen.
The morals of the story, think big, take a chance, even a small creature has value, you can always do your part to help (sometimes in a VERY big way!)even if you are small, friendship, the beauty of the world...all wonderfully demonstrated in rhyming verse.
The pictures are wonderful as well and don't be surprised if you choke up and have to hold back tears at some points, it is that moving! I will also add that every time we have given this book as a gift it has become the child's new favorite book...and the parents as well.
Book Review: Parent favorite
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was given to us, and I will admit the looks did not appeal to me. It was a flimsy paperback and the cover illustration made me think it was more an informational coloring book. Boy was I wrong! The story is long and windy, but very melodic and rythmic and I love reading it over and over. I had to explain some things to the children as they were unfamiliar with certain aspects of the story, but they enjoyed it and have asked for it again and again. It is not going to be hold the interests of a child who likes one line per page, but it does have full illustrations on every page, and when a child is ready for a little more of a story, they will love this one. I am so happy I was wrong about it.Book Review: Love it!
Summary: 5 Stars
My family is very fond of all of Julia Donaldson's books, but The Snail and the Whale is our very favorite. Axel Sheffler's illustrations are whimsical (My son has noticed that most of the insects he draws have noses)and beautiful. I am especially fond of its rhyming, making it a delight to read. Most of all, I love the messages it contains. One of which is that the world is vast and wonderful and we should get out and experience it. Also, it stresses the importance of helping one another, and being kind to our environment. A big nod goes out to The Snail and the Whale and its creators for giving us a book which is not only wonderful to look at and read, but has a valuable message. Thanks!Book Review: Not for a young toddler
Summary: 3 Stars
We purchased this book because my two year old son enjoyed Room on the Broom. Unfortunately I think the book is for an older child so it's spent most of the time on my son's bookshelf, untouched. We tried to read through it once but 3/4 through the story, my son was asking for another book instead! He has refused further offers to read the story again. The writing is much more complex, the sentences are long and the story in itself is a bit too winding for my 2.5 year old boy. We hope to begin enjoying it in a year or so.