The Lace Snail

by Betsy Byars

The animals beg the snail for some of her lacy trail and she tries to oblige each with a gift appropriate to its nature.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 22, 1975

About the author

Betsy Byars was an American author of children's books. She wrote over sixty books for young people. Her first novel was published in 1962. Her novel Summer of the Swans won the 1971 Newbery Medal. She also received a National Book Award for Young People's Literature for The Night Swimmers and an Edgar Award for Wanted ... Mud Blossom!!

Daughters Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers are also writers.

Reviews

[Toni Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a snail who enjoys leaving lacy trails. Beautiful illustrations.

[Arminzerella · Rating 2 out of 5]

A snail going about her business discovers that instead of slime, she is leaving a trail of lace. Other creatures notice this, too, and each asks her for some of the lace. To each she responds, “You deserve lace as much as anybody,” and then creates an intricate item for them to wear. After creating a lacy veil for the hippopotamus, the snail stops producing lace. Unbothered, she continues to the pond, where she rests. “It’s just the way life is, I think,” she says.

The illustrations are in black and white and green, with intricate designs woven into the lace that the snail makes. The story is overly long, and the irritating personalities of some of the creatures that the snail encounters clash with the simple beauty of the lace and the snail’s journey. This would have worked better with fewer (or no) words. If you’re of the same mind, just turn the pages quietly, or make up your own story.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might be out of print. A very sweet book as a Read-aloud for young children. Fun to have some props like lace pieces, toy animals, and use of voice changes. I read this to second graders for many years. It's just the way life is.

[Bonobro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my hands down favorite book between maybe 1986 and 1989. Best when read with a parent who does whacky voices.