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Tiny Tales #1
Shell Quest
Introducing I Can Read Comics, a brand-new early reader line that familiarizes children with the world of graphic novel storytelling and encourages visual literacy in emerging readers.
A little slug just wants to fit in in this Level Three I Can Read Comic by debut author-illustrator, Steph Waldo.
One day, a little slug spots two critters in the backyard who look just like her… except they have shells! Gasp! Slug thinks she needs a shell of her own to fit in, but finding one is a lot harder than it sounds.
Introducing Tiny Tales, a new I Can Read COMIC series featuring very small stories with even smaller stars!
Shell Quest is a Level Three I Can Read Comic, a more complex graphic novel story perfect for the independent comics reader.
A little slug just wants to fit in in this Level Three I Can Read Comic by debut author-illustrator, Steph Waldo.
One day, a little slug spots two critters in the backyard who look just like her… except they have shells! Gasp! Slug thinks she needs a shell of her own to fit in, but finding one is a lot harder than it sounds.
Introducing Tiny Tales, a new I Can Read COMIC series featuring very small stories with even smaller stars!
Shell Quest is a Level Three I Can Read Comic, a more complex graphic novel story perfect for the independent comics reader.
32 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2021
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 14, 2022
An "I Can Read Comics" book which actually looks like a comic book. Three-tiered panels, speech and thought balloons, sound effects and silent panels where the art tells the story.
A slug sees the shells on some snails' backs. The snails say if he finds a shell he can hang out with them. He tries a few different shells but they never work out. Then a snail joins him on his quest. Together they find a gathering of all sorts of different bugs and such which are comfortable together.
The snails are never bullies. This does a good job of showing how people can cause peer pressure for conformity without conscious malice.
A slug sees the shells on some snails' backs. The snails say if he finds a shell he can hang out with them. He tries a few different shells but they never work out. Then a snail joins him on his quest. Together they find a gathering of all sorts of different bugs and such which are comfortable together.
The snails are never bullies. This does a good job of showing how people can cause peer pressure for conformity without conscious malice.
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December 20, 2024A little slug wants to fit in. He spots two critters in the backyard who looks just like her... they however have shells. Slug thinks she needs a shell to fit in, but finding the perfect shell is a lot harder than it seems.
Alright listen I know this is for little children, but it was just so darn cute I could not pass this up to read it. The little slug was the cutest thing, and then when she found other creatures that was probably the cutest. This comic for beginners is easy to read, the illustrations are the best part of this story. If you have littles and they are at reading age give this comic a try see how it goes. Happy Reading!!!!!
Alright listen I know this is for little children, but it was just so darn cute I could not pass this up to read it. The little slug was the cutest thing, and then when she found other creatures that was probably the cutest. This comic for beginners is easy to read, the illustrations are the best part of this story. If you have littles and they are at reading age give this comic a try see how it goes. Happy Reading!!!!!
December 2, 2021
Never in my life have I thought about where snails get their shells. Mind-blowing. Kids will enjoy it!
April 25, 2022
Simple beginning reader comic. A shell-less gastropod wants to fit in with the local snails, who will only accept and play with him once he has a shell in place. An acorn cap, thimble (will kids have ANY idea what that is?) and shell of a deceased snail are all tried on, but for various reasons eventually leave gastropod exposed. I had a brief moment of hope that the text wouldn't be entirely predictable when the nameless shell seeker stuffed itself into the old snail shell. I so wanted the other snails to recognize the earthly remains of their old pal Yorik and respond with horror and alarm- but alas it was not to be. Of course there is one 'good' snail who helps gastro search, and promises it doesn't matter whether a shell is found, and then they stumble on a rotting log (my favorite part) where a diverse host of decomposers, including slugs, enlighten gastro that a shell is optional and all are welcomed. I do not love the first 24 pages of creating anxiety about not fitting in only to havethe problem resolve so seamlessly with gastro still accepting whatever it is told. At least the snails weren't wearing red baseball caps.
May 5, 2022
One lonely little critter wants to belong. He sees some snails and decides to join them, asking if he can be friends. The snails say no, you don't have a shell. Where is yours? They tell him to go find a shell. Only then he can belong. First he tries using the top of an acorn, but it falls off. Next he finds a metal thimble (?) and wears it, but again it falls off. Finally he finds a real piece of shell and the snails invite him into their circle.
When his shell breaks, they make him leave. Lonely and afraid, he sets out and one brave snail comes with him. In a rainstorm, they are swept away down a pipe and meet creatures like him. He asks them what they are, and they explain, like him, they have no shells because they are slugs. The slugs invite both the lonely slug and his friend, the snail, to stay with them and everyone is happy.
The author has included a page of comparisons snail vs. slug which gives young readers factual information. A fun read for ages 3 and up. The graphic nature of this book will appeal to reluctant readers, and everyone loves a comic!
Highly recommended.
When his shell breaks, they make him leave. Lonely and afraid, he sets out and one brave snail comes with him. In a rainstorm, they are swept away down a pipe and meet creatures like him. He asks them what they are, and they explain, like him, they have no shells because they are slugs. The slugs invite both the lonely slug and his friend, the snail, to stay with them and everyone is happy.
The author has included a page of comparisons snail vs. slug which gives young readers factual information. A fun read for ages 3 and up. The graphic nature of this book will appeal to reluctant readers, and everyone loves a comic!
Highly recommended.
July 27, 2021
While exploring the backyard, a lonely slug sees two creatures that look similar but they have “things” on their backs. After learning the “thing” is a shell, the snails tell the slug to find a shell so the slug can play with them. Thinking a shell is the solution to making friends, the slug searches for one. An acorn, a thimble, and even a real snail shell seems like good alternatives, but unfortunately, none of them stay put. Luckily, one of the snails offers to help the distraught slug find a new shell and on their travels in a rainstorm, the slug discovers the snail is a true friend. A downpour carries them to a hollow log where the duo meet other creatures without shells. Without hestitation, the slug and snail are invited to stay. With themes of empathy, friendship, and self-acceptance and the cutest slug I have ever seen, Waldo’s debut as author/illustrator is gastropod-tastic! Book 2: A Feast for Friends publishes in September.
April 1, 2023
I like the idea of explicitly explaining comic books to readers. Somehow I picture them as aids to the adult who is sharing a book with a kid; all the kids I know have no problems with them. But maybe I just don't see it.
I liked how the snails just refuse to accept the shell-less slug, and the slug just accepts this and goes looking for a shell. And then one nice snail doesn't challenge the shell rule; she just helps the slug look. It's a fun ethical dilemma for the reader. And the beat where they are listening to a sound and don't realize it's water rushing down a rain spout is well done. This will make a fun book to let a kid start participating in the reading with.
I liked how the snails just refuse to accept the shell-less slug, and the slug just accepts this and goes looking for a shell. And then one nice snail doesn't challenge the shell rule; she just helps the slug look. It's a fun ethical dilemma for the reader. And the beat where they are listening to a sound and don't realize it's water rushing down a rain spout is well done. This will make a fun book to let a kid start participating in the reading with.
July 3, 2025
Do I need a boiler alert on a book this level? Okay - spoiler alert to the theme twist outcome - which is what made me give it 5 stars.
The quest for this slug to fit in with the snails begins with finding funny substitute objects to work as a shell . . . faces a few darker challenges . . . but the story broadens to a larger heart-warming ending, where multiple types of friends come together as themselves without needing to change to fit in!
Delightfully whimsical, a friendly feel permeates this story. Perfect for the young reader.
The quest for this slug to fit in with the snails begins with finding funny substitute objects to work as a shell . . . faces a few darker challenges . . . but the story broadens to a larger heart-warming ending, where multiple types of friends come together as themselves without needing to change to fit in!
Delightfully whimsical, a friendly feel permeates this story. Perfect for the young reader.
September 12, 2021
A creature is lonely when they come across two similar creatures with shells. They say this creature can join if they find a shell. But does this creature need a shell? While searching, this creature finds a group of others that don't have shells either. Can be a quick book to talk about fitting in v. just being yourself and finding your own group.
June 4, 2022
A slug, hoping to find a friend, meets a couple of snails. But in order to play with them, he needs to find a shell. Will he be able to find a shell, and keep it on long enough to make a friend?
This was cute. A really short read - under a minute, for me - but I think it would be a great comic for beginning readers, especially to introduce them to the format.
This was cute. A really short read - under a minute, for me - but I think it would be a great comic for beginning readers, especially to introduce them to the format.
April 23, 2021
I read this on Edelweiss.
Bold illustrations that accompany a story about learning to not let others define you, but accepting who you are, with a sprinkling of insect facts. Great for young graphic novel fans.
Bold illustrations that accompany a story about learning to not let others define you, but accepting who you are, with a sprinkling of insect facts. Great for young graphic novel fans.
February 1, 2022
Intro graphic novel on a young slug who wants to be friends with some snails. Will his temporary shells be a good fit? Or will he need to find a place of his own? Cute illustrations, simple sentences, and easy vocabulary.
January 10, 2023
Great beginner level book for young readers with a very cute art style to boot! The story of a slug looking to become a snail in order to fit in with with a group, but struggling to find a shell, leads him to ultimately find his place, was wonderful to read and had a wonderful message to kiddos.
September 16, 2023
I am sorry to say this was a huge disappointment. The snails are rude and not inclusive, and poor slug has no personal value. And don't get me going on the "ending".. Don't understand why this was chosen as a 2023-24 Young Hoosier
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June 21, 2021Super cute graphic novel with a science twist for young readers.
July 26, 2021
Young/early reader graphic novel that introduces kids to the comic concept. So cute and fun.
August 1, 2021
This easy reader comic is fine, but I never felt like the story hit a good stride between its fictional and scientific elements.
October 18, 2021
Cute and gentle beginner comic about finding true friendship and embracing what makes each of us unique.
October 19, 2021
This is a cute, easy graphic novel for beginning readers. The text is easy to read and the illustrations are super cute.
November 9, 2021
3.5 stars.
Read
December 8, 2021I can read COMICs series. This is good. Kids will like. The story doesn't stick the landing, but the book does include lots of humor AND bonus info about the difference between snails and slugs.
December 29, 2021
I love that there are more and more graphic novels for early readers. This one is amusing with a gentle message of self-acceptance. Slug and snail facts listed at the end.
March 3, 2022
graphic novel format; early reader
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April 1, 2022An early elementary graphic novel about a snail looking for a new home.
April 6, 2022
Cute, adventure, friends, comic book format
May 27, 2022
Super sweet story about fitting in and discovering who you are.
April 19, 2024
Kinders really enjoyed this one!
July 26, 2021
preS-2nd
This is a great example of a graphic novel for early readers. Nice solid art with thick black lines and white space for division. Just a few characters. Most pages are 6 panels, with some 4 or 5. Satistfying story, too. Difficult to read aloud without a projector because it is smaller print. It would be nice if type was larger.
This is a great example of a graphic novel for early readers. Nice solid art with thick black lines and white space for division. Just a few characters. Most pages are 6 panels, with some 4 or 5. Satistfying story, too. Difficult to read aloud without a projector because it is smaller print. It would be nice if type was larger.
July 16, 2021
Snail and slug have bonded.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews