[Snail Trail] [By: Saxton, Jo] [June, 2014]

by Jo Saxton

In Snail Trail, children follow a colorful snail's silvery trail as he slides through eight modern pictures while searching for his very own "snail-portrait" — a piece of art that represents him. As he glides past famous works such as Pablo Picasso's "Maya in a Sailor Suit," Jackson Pollock's "Number 20," Mark Rothko's "White Centre," Salvador Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory," and Henri Matisse's "Goldfish," the friendly snail's words convey art concepts in the simplest of ways, making this book the perfect introduction to modern art for young children.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Nonfiction, Childrens

Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

This might have been really good, but the text is stilted. Art teachers may be able to use it, but it's not as much fun as reviews in the "professional" journals made it out to be. Sigh.........

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

A snail based on Henry Matisse's collage L'Escargot / The Snail searches among other famous paintings for Matisse's painting of him, which is in the Tate Modern Gallery in London, England.

Information about Matisse's collages, "painting with scissors," is given at the end of the book.

This picture book would be great to introduce small children to notable pieces of 20th Century art. I loved that it included a Rothko. The names of the artwork and artists are given at the back of the book, but they should have been captioned behind the paintings within the story itself.

[Ian McHugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little snail leads readers through artworks with the help of a silvery trail that can be traced by little fingers. The artworks are big and colourful and engaging. The lack of context (even in a small supporting text box) and the dull text - why not fill the page in big colourful funky lettering? - was a disappointment. The girls engaged and I am sure our copy will prompt more discussion.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This colorful snail crawls past seven works of famous modern artists while leading us to exhibit number 8 by Henri Matisse which snail claims was inspired by him/her/it. Children will enjoy running a finger along the silvery snail trail.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Snail Trail by Jo Saxton
Summary: A snail searches masterpieces looking for the painting that inspired his shell’s design.
Age: 4-6 years
Rating: Maybe
Pros:
The book exposes children to work by the “traditional masters”: Pollack, Dali, Picasso, Matisse, etc.
The story is written in rhyme, which gives it a cheerful tone.
Cons:
There are better books to expose children to “traditional masters”. By including women and minority painters Saxton could have breathed some excitement and variety into her book; as is, the artists featured are expected.

(Laurence Anholt’s Artists Books for Children series is a stronger alternative for people looking to expose children to “traditional masters”.)

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really, really wanted to like this book. The cover is intriguing and I loved the idea of a tour through art. But this book fell completely flat.

The text was dull and uninspired. The illustrations were fine, for as far as they went. They would have been so much better if they had been bigger and identified on the same page.

[Janet Squires · Rating 5 out of 5]

A colorful snail leads the readers through an assortment of paintings by well-known masters in search of the one like himself.

The rhyming text makes a brief observation of each work beginning with Jackson Pollock and ending with Henri Matisse's collage, The Snail. The book is an enjoyable introduction to looking at art for readers in K-3.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books that are overly rhyme-y without a fantastic rhythm are irritating. However, I'm always pretty desperate for books about art that aren't too text heavy. Cute premise for an introduction to modern art, focusing on several lesser-known works.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rhyming introduction to modern art, this is a simple but effective and gentle introduction to several famous pictures. I'd use it as an extension to Donaldson's Snail and the Whale - both have silvery trails.

[Portable · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful art-inspired picture book takes the reader on a journey through modern art and provides a kindergarten-friendly access point for discussion on art appreciation, plus welcome inspiration for children's own artistic masterpieces.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

great intro to modern art for kids

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would be great to use with a preschool program about artists - particularly Matisse.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would be great to read before an art program doing collages

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to art for young kids but the ending is a little long and wordy for the age group it was intended for.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a good one to read to youngies up to about Grade 1. And it would bounce you off in all sorts of other directions, looking at famous artists' works and styles.

[Gort · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Debby Baumgartner · Rating 2 out of 5]

One on one younger children love following the snail's trail with their finger. Picture credits were a great help. Good book for a school art program that introduces young children to art masters.