Monday, October 9, 2017

Review: Escargot by Dashka Slater and Sydney Hanson

9780374302818
$16.99

Bonjour! Escargot is a beautiful French snail who wants only two things:
1. To be your favorite animal.
2. To get to the delicious salad at the end of the book.
But when he gets to the salad, he discovers that there's a carrot in it. And Escargot hates carrots. But when he finally tries one—with a little help from you!—he discovers that it's not so bad after all.

If you do not immediately start reading this book (aloud or in your head) with a heavy French accent, then I have absolutely no hope for you at all. I mean, the very first word is "Bonjour", and just LOOK at that wee beret! And the scarf! Is this not the most adorable snail you have seen all week?

Escargot knows he is beautiful. He even offers, "You can kiss me if you want!" Readers are also invited to stroke Escargot's shell and to make a fierce face, making this a wonderfully interactive story time addition. I can see this becoming a favorite with many children - in fact, it has already circulated three times in three months, meaning Escargot has not spent much time on the shelves looking for a new friend! I even brought it home and read it out loud to my crew and a few visiting friends, and the wild rumpus they had been engaged in came to a screeching halt. When a book can calm a wild rumpus, you know it's a keeper!

*NOTE: This title has been nominated for the Cybils Award, and I am a first round panelist. There are many nominations and six other judges. My opinions should not be construed as a sign of inclusion or exclusion on the final short list. 

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