My Path

by Jana Curll

A joyful, empowering celebration of finding your path with an adorable snail protagonist — follow the snail's sparkly silver trail on every page!

In this charmingly illustrated picture book, a little snail sets off to find its path. There are mountains to climb, rushing rivers to cross, and sometimes the journey ahead seems impossible. But listening to their inner voice, this determined snail keeps going.

Follow this adventurous snail as they decide not to follow the crowd and face unexpected challenges. This inspiring journey will help young readers see that even the smallest creature can find their unique way forward.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

De illustraties zijn leuk, maar ik ben veel te nuchter voor de boodschap dat het volgen van je eigen pad goed is. Goede boodschap zeker, ben het er ook wel mee eens, maar hoeft voor mij niet op iedere bladzijde zo erg naar voren te komen.
Ik moet zeggen dat de tekst op de eerste blz. voor mij al bijna een oogrol waard was: Elke morgen als ik de zon zie opkomen, weet ik: dit is het begin van een nieuwe dag en ik volg mijn eigen pad.
Als slakken dit al denken bij het beginnen van de dag, dan.. nee. Niet voor mij, ik volg wel mijn eigen pad zonder dat zo bewust te denken.

Niet helemaal mijn boek, maar goed de illustraties waren wel leuk en lief.
En dat is oké. (goede afsluiter in stijl van het boek denk ik). Mijn waardering van 2 sterren past dan ook wel zie ik nu 'it was ok'.
Ik kies nu mijn eigen hazepad naar een volgend boek. Dat is ook oké.

[Parker Lapointe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and simple children’s book about following your own path, and recognizing what’s right for others might not be right for you. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations.

[Rosanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Met dank aan mama voor deze speciale ‘verjaardagskaart’ 🥹

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A curious little snail narrates its daily path through grass, trees, rocks, even across a stream. Sometimes the path is easy, sometimes it’s lonely or goes around in circles, and sometimes the snail has to ask for help. Whatever kind of day the snail has, it knows that there will be another day in which it can choose a path.

Youngsters will enjoy following the shiny, silver trail that the snail leaves and can observe the highlights, dangers and pleasures it encounters. The text really works on two levels: the concrete narration of the snail’s journey, which makes the most sense for toddlers; and older readers will be able to discern the philosophical nature of being open to whatever path life provides. Pleasing large scale (digital?) artwork makes the snail the focal point, with its determined aspect and cute, alert eyes on stalks. One full bleed vertical spread shows the snail slithering down a cliff – toddlers will have lots to think about with what that would be like.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗠𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲, 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗍𝗐𝗂𝗌𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗎𝗋𝗇 𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗍𝗁 𝖼𝖾𝗅𝖾𝖻𝗋𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀.

📖 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙞𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙: The dedication alone says it all:

“𝘋𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴...”

It feels like a quiet hug for anyone who’s ever wondered if they... fit.

🎨 𝙄𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨: We adore our little snail buddy and its shiny trail. Page after page, it forges ahead, showing kids (and adults) that being slow, steady, or different is totally okay.

🔊 𝘽𝙤𝙣𝙪𝙨 𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚: An embedded QR code linked to the audiobook. 🎧 My youngest mastered the scan-and-follow trick on his tablet, and it’s been a game-changer for his reading confidence. Smart tech + warm storytelling = magic.

⭐️ 𝟒.𝟓 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨! A charming, heartfelt picture book that reminds us all: there’s no wrong way to wander. It’s a sweet, uplifting read that sparks conversation about authenticity and kindness.

Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy

[Meghen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to the cute snail and the beautiful illustrations, this book sends a serious message to its readers.

"Paths are different for everyone. Any every path is special. So choose yours...and keep going!"

This book chronicles a snail's journey throughout the day. When the sun rises, the snail is awake and ready to start the day. Along the journey, the snail realizes other snails are on the same path and others are on different paths. Sometimes the path does not lead the snail in expected ways, but the snail keeps going. When it is hard, slow, or alone, the snail continues down the path, but knows it is ok to ask for help.

I think this is an important book for readers of all ages. We have all struggled following our own path and some struggle to ask for help. I think it's important to introduce young readers to the idea that they can be their own person, but it's still ok to ask for assistance when you need it. 4/5 stars.

I received a gifted copy of this book from Nosy Crow. All opinions are my own.

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Path by @jana_curll is a heartwarming, inspiring, needed, and lovely read! I am so touched by this wonderful book! The main character has an undeniable determination. He displays true perseverance while also reminding the reader that it is okay to ask for help, have doubts, take things slow, end up somewhere unexpected, and have so many other confounding feelings and thoughts as we each walk on our own path. This is beautiful and timely message for anyone but especially graduates who are making big life decisions and experiencing rapid changes. I love the illustrations, message, and positive tone of this book! I highly recommend this one!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It isn't often that one finds a snail as a protagonist in a children's book, but this one, who is charting its own path, provides a good example to young readers about remaining true to oneself, which just might means going it alone, resting for a bit, even asking for help. But what really matters is that one keeps going. Not everyone travels the same path at the same pace or for the same reasons or goals. I like the nature-filled, green, and softly drawn images that make the snail seem quite adorable and determined. This picture book might be a good choice to share at the start of a new school year or even at the end.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The special thing about my current path is that it is mine." So starts the adventures of the personal path of this snail narrator.

There are a lot of considerations with regard to personal paths: sometimes it goes in circles, sometimes it abruptly ends, and sometimes it goes unexpectedly in one direction. If it's too much, sometimes going on one's path means going slowly or even taking a rest. Sometimes one needs to ask for help and snail is not hesitant to ask turtle for help. The message overall is to keep going in the right direction, every path is special.
Colorful illustrations drawing on beautiful nature scenes enhance the snails adventures.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The central metaphor (and lesson) of finding your own path and sticking to it through challenges and peril is delivered as lightly as possible. A personable snail tells their own story and the author's illustrations are delightful. The choice to print the snail's trail in silver as it journeys through the book is a stroke of genius and will delight a child who will be able to trace the path and glean hidden layers in the story.

[Lucy Lightning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comforting and inspiring!

We are all on different paths in life, sometimes that path might not make sense to others but it does to us. Keep on going, ask for help and know that it is going to be alright.

The illustrations coupled with the tone of the writing, make for a mindfulness read for both child and adult.

[Erin Buhr]

Everyone has a different path to follow, including the cute little snail in this picture book. Every day he wakes up and follows is own path, leaving a trail behind him. The sweet text of this book is well paced, empowering and encouraging. The illustrations are darling. I love the muted color palette.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a beautiful book with a wonderful message. Following your own path (as the main character shows) can be daunting, inspiring, lonely, unique, confusing, and beautifully fulfilling. The little snail on the pages encourages readers to keep going even if others don’t understand your path. A lovely little meditation on forging your own way through life.

[Sarah Titus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book with a great message and even better illustrations. I can't wait to keep reading this to my daughter as she grows up🩷

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/3

Every path is different, why isn't that obvious?

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was trying to be inspirational and whatever, which it is and had a nice message, but I mostly liked the cool glitter silver path that the snail made everywhere it went.

[Eadrinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute! Loved the story and illustrations for the story of a snail following his own path in life. Such an important and inspiring message to do what you can where you are.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice tale about finding your own path to follow, though the author's lovely illustrations are the real reason for picking this one up.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mooi, grappig en vol betekenis! Een echte metafoor voor het leven 🐌

[Jackie G · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Meaghann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love! The story! The illustrations! I love this book

[Izzy Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I bought my class when I left. The message behind the book to not follow the crowd and make your own path.

[Noel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my FAVORITE book! So so so interpretive, says that we are on the path we need to be, comparing ruins our motivation.

[Taylor Woolley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the snail was adorable and the silver ink to make the snail trail was a beautiful touch but I found the story a little lacking and didactic.

[Katja Smit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Idee is oké, maar zo moralistisch en zwaar als het hier wordt gebracht, nee. Goed verhaal in een slechtzittend jasje.

2025, AK