Welcome how, are you? It’s Saturday and before we know it the weekend will be over and will be going into our 3rd week of May. Before we do though I would like to share a new children’s book with you. This children’s book is called Sorry, Snail and it’s written by Tracey Subisak. I received a copy of the book in exchange for this review.
I was frustrated with Charlie this morning when I needed to head out to walk and all he wanted to do was sleep. Out the door I went and even though I live in a apartment I slammed the door because I was upset. I knocked the decorations of the wall. Stomp stomp stomp through the complex. I wouldn’t be sure if I didn’t step on Ants or other animals as I wasn’t watching what I was doing.
I walked in and sat down at my desk and looked over at my dogs who needed to go outside but Charlie was still sleeping. Back out I went. Finally I came into work. I moved things on my desk. Turned on the TV. Went into the kitchen for a drink. Walked back into the living room and sat down. Still not doing any work. Finally I sat down at my desk and let out a breath or air.
As I did I moved a book on my desk. I looked down at the cover and Sorry, Snail was staring back at me. I loved the expression on the little girls hand. The Snail was so cute. You could tell the little girl was surprised about something. The more I looked at the cover of the book the more I wanted to know about what was happening with her and the Snail.
I opened the book up and began reading the story. Ari reminded me of myself because like her I was mad. But I could yell where she couldn’t. Ari heard noises as she worked out her anger. It was a Snail and instead of being nice to him she began to make fun of the Snail which wasn’t nice at all. The Snail crawled away to a safe place.
That evening Ari went to bed and the Snail appeared in her bed and began talking to her. Can you imagine that? Guess what it wasn’t a man but a women Snail not that that matters. She demanded a apology which I think she deserved. The Snail didn’t accept the apology and slunked away. The next day Ari went outside to play and the Snail left things behind which was gross.
Aril asked the Snail why and reminded her she had said she was sorry. But the Snail let Ari know she had looked into her soul and saw it wasn’t true. Slowly hundreds of Snails appeared and let her know about the Snail and how she was good. Ari became upset and thought she should apologize but I am not going to tell you what happened next because I believe you should purchase your own copy of the book or visit your library and check out a copy to read on your own.
In the meantime, when you apologize to someone only do it if you really mean it because they can tell how you feel. As for this book both adults and children would enjoy the story even though my family believes it’s for smaller children. Charlie and I plan on using it in our Homeschool Classes when we study Animals and Snails and also when we study feelings. Would you like to join us in class?
About: SORRY, SNAIL WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY TRACY SUBISAK
RELEASE DATE : MAY 16, 2023
PUBLISHER : LITTLE, BROWN BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS
ISBN (HARDCOVER) : 9780316537728
AGES : 4-8
This zany, charming story shows that sometimes we get mad and helps teach the importance of a real apology!
“Look at that slimy body.
That silly shell.
Those tentacle eyes!
I just can’t look at you anymore, snail.”
Ari is feeling angry. When she takes that anger out on an innocent Snail, the Snail demands an apology! Which Ari gives, half-heartedly. And that’s that. Until Ms. Snail and her friends appear in every corner of Ari’s life, determined to elicit the most genuine apology from an increasingly regretful girl.
Shots of electric orange and deep purple, bold ink lines, and big speech balloons help deliver the message that angry words cause real and lasting harm—even when the insulter hasn’t intended it—and that half-hearted apologies and defensiveness compound the problem. Publishers Weekly
Exaggerated perspectives and proportions, as well as enlarged type, effectively invoke both humor and hyperbole. Subisak’s vivid palette of deep blues, greens, and oranges draws readers into both Ari’s and Ms. Snail’s dynamic emotional journeys.
A reminder that everyone—no matter how small—deserves kindness. Kirkus Reviews
GUIDES AND ACTIVITIES Coming soon!
Meet the Author: Tracy Subisak
the author and illustrator of Sorry, Snail and award-winning Jenny Mei Is Sad, and the illustrator of several picture books including Amah Faraway and This Book Is Not For You!. Her books have been featured in publications such as the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. Subisak has a background in design and is an experienced yoga teacher. She is of Polish and Taiwanese heritage and a believer that stories connect us all in some way.
Tracy currently resides in Taiwan with her buddy-for-life Matty and Turtle Ah Dou. She calls the Pacific Northwest home, misses her doggo Lala dearly, and was born and raised in Ohio. She really likes plants and gardening, so much that she can be seen watching two hour instructional videos on how to optimize Veggie garden growth. Besides that, she can be found going on long walks with a pal, being curious about little details of daily life, whilst likely telling terribly unfunny jokes.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
