Snail and Worm: Three Stories about Two Friends (Snail and Worm)

Two new friends--neither, let's say, in danger of winning a MacArthur Genius Grant anytime soon--star in three cheerfully screwy stories from Kugler (In Mary's Garden). In the first, Worm meets Snail while the gastropod is playing tag with a rock. "I win! I am fast. You are slow," Snail taunts the immobile rock, its eyestalks almost seeming to cheer in delight. Snail scales a tall flower in the equally funny second story, reveling in the amazing views while ignoring that its weight has caused the flower to bend down to the ground. "Wow! They look like ants down there!" Snail raves, staring at actual ants. "Wow! I can see my house!" Snail adds, looking at the shell affixed to its body. The friends show off their pets in the third story--a dog Snail thinks is a spider and a spider believed to be a dog. Snail and Worm's direct, simplified dialogue is perfect for beginning readers, and their unabashed dopiness--equally evident in their conversations and in Kugler's mixed-media cartoons--delivers a steady stream of laughs. Ages 6-9. Agent: Teresa Kietlinski, Prospect Agency. (May)

PreS-Gr 1--A friend is good to have, but a best friend is even better. Snail and Worm are best buds in the tradition of Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad or Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie. The pair have three silly adventures that are sure to please any young reader. Worm goes along with Snail's antics as they play tag with a rock named Bob and Ann the stick. When Snail is determined to climb a flower, Worm is there to cheer him on every step of the way. In the final story, Worm has lost his pet and describes what it looks like to his friend. Snail is positive that Worm's lost pet is a spider. The ending is humorous to all readers. This is a good choice for children not yet ready for early chapter books. The text is not too difficult, nor is it overwhelming. The speech for each character is written in different colors to make it easier to distinguish who is talking. Some of the humor may need to be explained to younger children, but it also makes this book enjoyable. The acrylic illustrations are simple, straightforward, and uncluttered. The characters have great expressions and are animated. VERDICT This appealing easy reader is a must-have for most collections.--Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA