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Snail Crossing: A Winning Tale of Slow but Steady Friendship for Kids
A determined snail.
A plump cabbage.
A truly epic journey . . .
In a book as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of a slow but steady snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship.
A plump cabbage.
A truly epic journey . . .
In a book as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of a slow but steady snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2020
About the author
Corey R. Tabor
41 books118 followersCorey R. Tabor grew up in Wyoming, where he once spent the night in a cave by an underground waterfall. He now lives with his wife in Seattle, where he draws and reads and explores. Please visit him at coreyrtabor.com.
from https://www.readbrightly.com/meet-ill...
from https://www.readbrightly.com/meet-ill...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
March 5, 2020
The snail, as I see it, is not a natural child substitute in a picture book setting. While kids are prone to short attention spans, rambunctiousness, and general speed, snails are squat, slow, and uniquely focused. They do, however, share one quality that children can relate to: a relentless desire for tasty food. Particularly my tasty food. My tomatoes. My poor poor tomatoes. Sorry, where was I? Ah yes! Waxing rhapsodic over the fictional snail, I was. Well, when it comes to storytelling only tortoises, turtles, and sloths rival snails in their methodical disregard for hurrying things up a bit. I suppose that when he wrote his Fox easy book series ( Fox the Tiger, Fox and the Jumping Contest, Fox and the Bike Ride, and Fox Is Late,) author/illustrator Corey Tabor already had the child stand-in angle covered. Snails, in contrast, offer all kinds of different fictional possibilities. I've read snail picture books before, but few have plumbed their humor quite as well as Tabor has in Snail Crossing. Less a story of persistence than a lesson in karma, this may well be the first snail-adjacent picture book that has ever made me AND my kids laugh out loud for long periods of time. I can think of no better praise than that.
Lucky is the snail that notices a patch of plump, crisp cabbage just waiting to be eaten. Unfortunate is the snail that must cross a highway to get to them. When Snail finds himself in this very situation, does he hesitate? He does not! Without another thought he makes his way across the asphalt. And when a small group of rude ants need his help in a rainstorm, Snail is perfectly positioned to offer them aid. But watch out, Snail! There are cars to avoid. There are crows that require evasive maneuvers. And sometimes, to get your heart's desire, it's a good idea to rely on your friends.
Now I'm not what I would call an anxious person. I know some folks that cannot stand it when, in a movie, the driver of a car keeps neglecting to watch the road. But even I had to admit to a bit of high tension when Snail set forth upon that two-lane highway. He is so small and the cars so big, that every time he takes a rest or a pause or goes into his shell to have tea, some part of my brain kept shouting, "RUN! RUN, YOU FOOL! DON'T YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE?" Of course he doesn't. If he did we wouldn't have much of a story now, would we? Most kids reading this book won't pay as much attention to this fact, but every once in a while you're going to get a child that is just as stressed out and anxious about this situation as I am. And, like myself, once everything turns out all right at the end they're going to want to read this book again. And again. And again. And again.
To the world's detriment, you may not hear many folks waxing rhapsodic over Tabor's art. It's perfect for what he writes, but he doesn't go in for lush sweeping landscapes or eclectic mixed media productions. Snail himself is little more than just a pair of googly eyes on stalks. And yet, there are these little tiny moments Tabor chooses to include that just make it that much more of a pleasure to read. The first time a car comes barreling over Snail there is this sudden refraction of the light. A little sunspot, like the sun has bounced off the moving car and, for just one instant, into your eyes. This reflection is echoed a little lower to the left and a little higher, in front of the car's grill. And once you've picked up on that, well, it's hard not to notice other little details like the ginko tree leaf pattern in Snail's living room or the way Tabor illustrates a poppy with just a flick of paint. Beauty + funny = picture book gold.
Remember when I mentioned that this book made my 5-year-old son and myself laugh out loud? That moment comes near the end of the book and consists of only two words: "Well, shoot." I shall say no more, just in case you haven't read the book yourself yet. And if you haven't then you're in for a treat. Misleadingly simple is an overused term in the picture book reviewing business, and yet I can think of no other way of adequately explain what is going on here. Oddly beautiful with a well-shelled hero and some jokes to boot, this book isn't big and complicated. It's small and compact. It's simplicity itself. It's exactly what you want in a picture book.
Lucky is the snail that notices a patch of plump, crisp cabbage just waiting to be eaten. Unfortunate is the snail that must cross a highway to get to them. When Snail finds himself in this very situation, does he hesitate? He does not! Without another thought he makes his way across the asphalt. And when a small group of rude ants need his help in a rainstorm, Snail is perfectly positioned to offer them aid. But watch out, Snail! There are cars to avoid. There are crows that require evasive maneuvers. And sometimes, to get your heart's desire, it's a good idea to rely on your friends.
Now I'm not what I would call an anxious person. I know some folks that cannot stand it when, in a movie, the driver of a car keeps neglecting to watch the road. But even I had to admit to a bit of high tension when Snail set forth upon that two-lane highway. He is so small and the cars so big, that every time he takes a rest or a pause or goes into his shell to have tea, some part of my brain kept shouting, "RUN! RUN, YOU FOOL! DON'T YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE?" Of course he doesn't. If he did we wouldn't have much of a story now, would we? Most kids reading this book won't pay as much attention to this fact, but every once in a while you're going to get a child that is just as stressed out and anxious about this situation as I am. And, like myself, once everything turns out all right at the end they're going to want to read this book again. And again. And again. And again.
To the world's detriment, you may not hear many folks waxing rhapsodic over Tabor's art. It's perfect for what he writes, but he doesn't go in for lush sweeping landscapes or eclectic mixed media productions. Snail himself is little more than just a pair of googly eyes on stalks. And yet, there are these little tiny moments Tabor chooses to include that just make it that much more of a pleasure to read. The first time a car comes barreling over Snail there is this sudden refraction of the light. A little sunspot, like the sun has bounced off the moving car and, for just one instant, into your eyes. This reflection is echoed a little lower to the left and a little higher, in front of the car's grill. And once you've picked up on that, well, it's hard not to notice other little details like the ginko tree leaf pattern in Snail's living room or the way Tabor illustrates a poppy with just a flick of paint. Beauty + funny = picture book gold.
Remember when I mentioned that this book made my 5-year-old son and myself laugh out loud? That moment comes near the end of the book and consists of only two words: "Well, shoot." I shall say no more, just in case you haven't read the book yourself yet. And if you haven't then you're in for a treat. Misleadingly simple is an overused term in the picture book reviewing business, and yet I can think of no other way of adequately explain what is going on here. Oddly beautiful with a well-shelled hero and some jokes to boot, this book isn't big and complicated. It's small and compact. It's simplicity itself. It's exactly what you want in a picture book.
August 2, 2021
Snail sees a cabbage. The problem? It's on the other side of the road. This is the story of how snail accomplishes his goal of getting to the cabbage in an unexpected way. Readers learn that there is often more than one way to accomplish a goal.
Even though this reminded me of the classic fable, The Lion and the Mouse (it has a similar lesson or moral); this would also be a good title for those looking for new books to share about making mistakes and resiliency.
Even though this reminded me of the classic fable, The Lion and the Mouse (it has a similar lesson or moral); this would also be a good title for those looking for new books to share about making mistakes and resiliency.
February 17, 2020
Almost too cute for words.
February 24, 2020
Most precious! My whole family adored this one!
August 22, 2020
Quirky and sweet :-)
February 21, 2020
Very cute sweet story about a snail on a mission to get too some cabbage that he sees across the road. He is very determined to not let any obstacles get in his way. After he helps some ants find shelter in the rain, and deploying evasive maneuvers to avoid a hungry crow, snail is worried he won't ever get to that cabage, but his new ant friends are ready to help.
Slow and steady isn't the only way to win the race kindess works too.
Slow and steady isn't the only way to win the race kindess works too.
October 7, 2020
Hilarious story with very appealing illustrations.
This is one of my favorite picture books of 2020. The appealing illustrations in pencil, watercolors, colored pencil and ink expand on the humor of the text. I loved the details of the interior of Snail's shell--the Tiffany chandelier with a cabbage design; and the clock displaying the days of the week, rather than the usual numbers. And I loved the subplot in which Snail does the ants a favor, and they do one for Snail in return.
This is one of my favorite picture books of 2020. The appealing illustrations in pencil, watercolors, colored pencil and ink expand on the humor of the text. I loved the details of the interior of Snail's shell--the Tiffany chandelier with a cabbage design; and the clock displaying the days of the week, rather than the usual numbers. And I loved the subplot in which Snail does the ants a favor, and they do one for Snail in return.
September 14, 2019
This little snail may be discouraged from trying to cross the road to reach a delicious cabbage, but it won't deter his determination! On the way, some antsy ants get a bit impatient with his pace... but when a rainstorm drops in, Snail is there to offer them refuge. What a charming creature! Slow and steady isn't the only way to win a race-- kindness works, too.
February 25, 2020
I bristle at the words "super cute" most of the time...but there is no other way to describe this snail and this story.
March 20, 2021
A determined snail must cross the road to get to some delicious cabbage. With the help of some friends, nothing can stop you when you're cabbage bound.
February 10, 2020
Why did the snail cross the road- or at least try to? To get to the other side where the cabbage patch was, of course. But will slow and steady win the race or will it be an escar-stop? Despite my attempt at humor with that joke, this is a cute story worth reading.
February 28, 2020
Super cute, funny, and happy story of a slow snail with a goal in mind.
March 13, 2020
Adorable story and illustrations! The snail is patient, persistent and kind, and makes new friends on his journey.
March 16, 2020
One good turn, will get you back where you started when you want to be where you were going but then a good never goes unpunished.
So delightful.
So delightful.
June 11, 2020
Cute take on a snail crossing the road.
October 20, 2020
A cozy, cute book where creatures help each other and goals are achieved. I will look for more by Corey R. Tabor.
May 26, 2021
Cute story about a boy snail on a quest to cross the road to get cabbage, who befriends some ants along the way. Suitable for story drama.
October 30, 2020
Snail is struck by the beautiful sight of cabbage. The only problem: it’s on the other side of the road. So begins Snail’s perilous quest to reach the field of delicious cabbage. Nothing can stand in his way, not even the cars, birds, rain, and impatient ants that cross his path. But just when he thinks he’s reached the other side of the road, he realizes that somehow he’d gotten turned around and is back where he started. Thankfully Snail’s new ant friends are there to help. That’s what friends are for.
Snail Crossing feels like a familiar story told in a fresh way. There’s lots of fun surprises, unexpected twists and turns. Like when it turns out the inside of Snail’s shell is basically a living room complete with comfy armchairs and a tea table. This is a bedtime read-aloud staple.
Snail Crossing feels like a familiar story told in a fresh way. There’s lots of fun surprises, unexpected twists and turns. Like when it turns out the inside of Snail’s shell is basically a living room complete with comfy armchairs and a tea table. This is a bedtime read-aloud staple.
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October 20, 2022Snail is trying to cross the road to get to the cabbage patch, but he is having trouble actually getting across. First he gets stopped by some ants who stop in his shell for tea to escape the rain. Then he has to travel in circles to escape a hungry bird. Finally he makes it across, but he actually is on the side of the street he began on. However, his friends the ants did make it across the road and they carried a cabbage all the way back to share with snail.
This is a great read about kindness and friendships. Snail and the ants are friends, so the ants choose to be kind to Snail and bring the cabbage across the road to him. Students can think of ways that they can be kind to others and can practice being kind to others throughout the week.
This is a great read about kindness and friendships. Snail and the ants are friends, so the ants choose to be kind to Snail and bring the cabbage across the road to him. Students can think of ways that they can be kind to others and can practice being kind to others throughout the week.
October 25, 2019
When Snail sees some plump cabbage across the road, he is determined to get to it even if it means crossing a road filled with obstacles that are too big and too fast for him to ponder. After helping some ants find shelter in the rain and deploying evasive maneuvers to avoid a hungry crow, Snail is worried he won't ever get to that cabbage. But lo his new ant friends are ready to help. Tabor's artwork is crisp with a muted color palette. Viewing things from Snail's perspective offers a different view of some familiar roadside sights and a brief visit inside Snail's shell is not to be missed. An endearing story about perseverance and friendship.
April 21, 2020
It never occurred to me that a friendship story could emerge between a snail and a group of ants, but luckily Corey R. Tabor thought so. He has created the happiest story of friendship between these unlikely creatures. A snail spies a cabbage "across the road" and slowly with persistence, it begins. What happens in this journey holds fun surprises, some scary moments, and a very happy ending. With Corey's full-page imaginative illustrations, even of the "inside" of the snail's home, readers will laugh and clap all through the story, but especially at the ending.
Read
March 9, 2020Ahhh, adorable! When Snail spies a field of plump, crisp cabbage across the road, he sets off to get him some, but a journey for one small snail across a big, busy road is not as easy as it may seem. This is a fun and funny book about determination and kindness and bugs and it would make a great readaloud. Grab this one for your next bug-themed storytime.
September 20, 2020
Snail is cabbage bound! All Snail needs to do to reach the tasty looking cabbage is cross the road, but that is easier said than done. Snail's cabbage bound adventure includes encountering ants, cars, and a hungry crow. The subtle details contrasting Snail's speed will make this a useful picture book to discuss perspective and point of view. A hilarious gem that celebrates kindness.
Read
November 3, 2025Snail Crossing is about a little snail who wants to cross a big road to get to some yummy cabbage. The trip is hard and takes a long time, but the snail keeps trying and doesn’t give up. I would use this book to teach students about being patient and not giving up. Students could share something that was hard for them at first but got easier when they kept trying.
February 6, 2020
This was adorable. Just when you might think all is lost, along come some friends.
August 14, 2020
We liked the part with the snail inviting the ants into his home ( shell)
October 20, 2020
Cute story about a determined snail who is intent on cabbage for dinner. Obstacles don’t stop him, along the way he makes some new friends.
December 3, 2020
Nearly perfect. So adorable.
February 24, 2021
Picture book play?
July 10, 2021
My grandson and I loved this book. We laughed so much we had to read it over and over. I especially loved how Snail helped the antsy ants and they in turn helped him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews