What do you think?
Rate this book
Snail & Stump #1
How to Party Like a Snail
An introverted snail throws his own kind of party to celebrate all things quiet
Snail is a party animal. Well...kind of. He loves the quiet things about parties: confetti, making new friends (using his indoor voice, of course), and the silence before everyone yells, “SURPRISE!” But when parties get loud, Snail retreats into his shell. He’s still partying, but no one can tell he’s having a good time while he’s tucked inside. His friends don’t understand why he doesn’t love loud parties like they do, and soon Snail’s party invites begin to dry up.
In response, Snail decides to plan his own quiet party, complete with warm milk and lullaby lip-syncing. But something is missing―does Snail long for the “loud” after all? That’s when Stump, a fellow introvert, chimes in with an idea. Maybe Snail isn’t missing the “loud”…maybe he’s just missing a friend to share the quiet. Together, Stump and Snail turn the lullabies down low and celebrate “the shush” together.
With comics-style storytelling and lovable characters, this hilarious tale makes quiet so fun that even the most extroverted readers will want to SHHHelebrate!
Snail is a party animal. Well...kind of. He loves the quiet things about parties: confetti, making new friends (using his indoor voice, of course), and the silence before everyone yells, “SURPRISE!” But when parties get loud, Snail retreats into his shell. He’s still partying, but no one can tell he’s having a good time while he’s tucked inside. His friends don’t understand why he doesn’t love loud parties like they do, and soon Snail’s party invites begin to dry up.
In response, Snail decides to plan his own quiet party, complete with warm milk and lullaby lip-syncing. But something is missing―does Snail long for the “loud” after all? That’s when Stump, a fellow introvert, chimes in with an idea. Maybe Snail isn’t missing the “loud”…maybe he’s just missing a friend to share the quiet. Together, Stump and Snail turn the lullabies down low and celebrate “the shush” together.
With comics-style storytelling and lovable characters, this hilarious tale makes quiet so fun that even the most extroverted readers will want to SHHHelebrate!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2022
2 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
November 2, 2022
Snail is my spirit animal and I COMPLETELY relate to him. I really loved the message that you don't have to be loud to have a good time and being quiet is okay. I feel like this would've been something that little Bethany wished she had read.
June 1, 2022
As the parent of a child with sensory processing disorder, this book is PERFECT!
My son doesn't like loud and/or busy places. He gets very anxious at parties that are noisy with a lot of people. This is a great way to show children with sensory processing disorder, or kids that just like quiet settings. that they are not alone. That there are other people in the world - just like them!
This is a great story for folks that like it loud AND people that like it quiet. This tale shares a different perspective for everyone to enjoy and a way to learn that we don't all need to be the same. The adorable and fun illustrations help you to fall even deeper in love with snail (though I must say I do have a soft spot in my heart for stump too!).
What an unforgettable story... it makes me want to Shhellebrate (quietly)!
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Owlkids Books, Owlkids
My son doesn't like loud and/or busy places. He gets very anxious at parties that are noisy with a lot of people. This is a great way to show children with sensory processing disorder, or kids that just like quiet settings. that they are not alone. That there are other people in the world - just like them!
This is a great story for folks that like it loud AND people that like it quiet. This tale shares a different perspective for everyone to enjoy and a way to learn that we don't all need to be the same. The adorable and fun illustrations help you to fall even deeper in love with snail (though I must say I do have a soft spot in my heart for stump too!).
What an unforgettable story... it makes me want to Shhellebrate (quietly)!
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Owlkids Books, Owlkids
December 15, 2022
This was an adorable children's book. I loved the illustrations with it's bright colors. The story was sweet and I enjoyed the concept of finding balance in what you enjoy in life and the importance of finding friends who understand and love you. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a book to read to their littles.
November 19, 2022
This adorable picture book focuses on a snail who likes to party...just quietly. It uses humorous text and illustrations to share how having different preferences for "fun" can make a snail feel isolated. But in the end, the snail is surprised to find someone else may share his love of more muted celebration. As an introvert and a parent of children with sensory sensitivities, I think this book does an excellent job of showing how the need for quiet is important to some people...and snails. It could help readers to accept the differences in those around them.
June 9, 2022
I love this book. It is a winner on all levels. An adorable quiet-loving snail is a party animal BUT he likes to party in his own style. His kind of party celebrates all things with order, quietness and calmness. His friends love to be loud, rambunctious and party-hearty! Oh my how will he ever get invited to their parties if that is how they act?
He decides rather than ban parties altogether he will throw a party of his own but do it his way! What will be on his agenda do you think?
Well, it certainly has to be a noiseless party and definitely include warm milk and lullaby lip-syncing. But wait? Whoever will come to a party like that? All of his friend like celebrations that are boisterous and rockin '!
Snail is at a loss as to whom he should invite. He extends an invitation to Stump, a fellow introvert! Happily his invitation is accepted. The two agree to create a like-minded party and together the two whoop it up shushingly ( I just made that word up) and they have a grand old time.
The illustrations are awesome and all the characters portrayed are wonderful. The message is positive and inspiring. Every reader is invited to join Snail at his party as long as they leave their "loud" behind. Will you be there? If you remember to Shhhhhhh! you're in... please come and enjoy! I highly, highly recommend this book.
He decides rather than ban parties altogether he will throw a party of his own but do it his way! What will be on his agenda do you think?
Well, it certainly has to be a noiseless party and definitely include warm milk and lullaby lip-syncing. But wait? Whoever will come to a party like that? All of his friend like celebrations that are boisterous and rockin '!
Snail is at a loss as to whom he should invite. He extends an invitation to Stump, a fellow introvert! Happily his invitation is accepted. The two agree to create a like-minded party and together the two whoop it up shushingly ( I just made that word up) and they have a grand old time.
The illustrations are awesome and all the characters portrayed are wonderful. The message is positive and inspiring. Every reader is invited to join Snail at his party as long as they leave their "loud" behind. Will you be there? If you remember to Shhhhhhh! you're in... please come and enjoy! I highly, highly recommend this book.
September 11, 2022
This was adorable! We follow Snail as he goes to a few parties. But Snail isn't really a fan of loud noises. So Snail decides to throw his own quiet party with his friend Stump. They do all the fun things, listen to quiet songs, wear comfy pajamas, and get in blanket burritos. Overall this was a fantastic, cute book and I would highly recommend it!
August 25, 2023
2022 Cybils Picture Book finalist
Little Snail likes to party, but not with noise. This was a great book to share with my book club, because we are a bunch of introverts. It's a bit over-emphatic in getting its point across, but the snail illustrations are always charming and the final friendship is super cute.
Little Snail likes to party, but not with noise. This was a great book to share with my book club, because we are a bunch of introverts. It's a bit over-emphatic in getting its point across, but the snail illustrations are always charming and the final friendship is super cute.
November 26, 2022
Snail is a party animal...well, a quiet party animal.
When invitations to parties slow down and then stop, Snail decides to throw a party himself. And it turns out to be "quiet" delightful!
For those of us who tend to celebrate on the far left dial turn of loud...
When invitations to parties slow down and then stop, Snail decides to throw a party himself. And it turns out to be "quiet" delightful!
For those of us who tend to celebrate on the far left dial turn of loud...
April 24, 2024
A super adorable book about a snail who is a little sensitive to loud noises. This is perfect for any shy quiet child but for those with children who get overstimulated sometimes, this one's for you.
Read
September 12, 2022This is very, very sweet.
October 21, 2022
Doing a snail themed storytime just so I can use this adorable book!
November 20, 2022
Loved it!
August 11, 2023
Cute story, but I was expecting more from it.
October 28, 2022
This is the cutest thing I have ever read.
December 23, 2022
Too long for Storytime, but explores liking our differences in a fun way.
November 4, 2023
Nominated for the 2024 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award, I may read this early in the year to set the standard for how loud we should party in the library. The publisher includes an activity page with discussion guide and coloring book pages! Thank them for that. https://www.kidscanpress.com/Creators...
After reading this to 370 K-5 students in 17 intervals, I can honestly say it's a hit. The discussion guide has some great ideas for creating your own party and the students had fun imagining their own on the backs of their coloring sheets. Many students came forward to say how they didn't appreciate the LOUD.
After reading this to 370 K-5 students in 17 intervals, I can honestly say it's a hit. The discussion guide has some great ideas for creating your own party and the students had fun imagining their own on the backs of their coloring sheets. Many students came forward to say how they didn't appreciate the LOUD.
May 24, 2023
I'd love to party with snail!
June 25, 2022
Snail loves to party! But sometimes, noisy parties are just too much for Snail and he much prefers quiet parties. Unfortunately, parties are rarely quiet, until Snail throws his own party and finds a friend who enjoys many of the same types of things he does.
My 6 Year old and I read this title through 3 times in a row because it was just so darling and enjoyable. Lately, my energetic, enthusiastic kindergartener has been finding that he, too, does not always enjoy situations that are too noisy and to chaotic for him and prefers to step away to a quieter environment. A preference! Not a character flaw! Snail, like ALL of us, learns what type of activities he enjoys and eventually comes to terms with this AND discovers he is not the only one who enjoys these things, it didn't make him weird. Nor does it mean he is required to solely enjoy quiet parties!
A beautiful, colorful, fun little book about acceptance, understanding and adjusting as we learn about ourselves and that it is OK to like what we like! And when we look closely, we can often find friends who also enjoy the same hobbies and preferences making things all the more enjoyable.
A perfect read for Pre-school and early readers. A great choice for a child coping with sensory issues or anxiety, as we can all relate to Snail and wanting to tuck into the safety, comfort and familiarity of our own shells once in awhile.
I was provided with an electronic copy of How to Party Like a Snail by Netgalley and OwlKids Books in return for an honest review. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this title! This will certainly become a regular on our shelf, and quiet parties will become a part of our lives.
My 6 Year old and I read this title through 3 times in a row because it was just so darling and enjoyable. Lately, my energetic, enthusiastic kindergartener has been finding that he, too, does not always enjoy situations that are too noisy and to chaotic for him and prefers to step away to a quieter environment. A preference! Not a character flaw! Snail, like ALL of us, learns what type of activities he enjoys and eventually comes to terms with this AND discovers he is not the only one who enjoys these things, it didn't make him weird. Nor does it mean he is required to solely enjoy quiet parties!
A beautiful, colorful, fun little book about acceptance, understanding and adjusting as we learn about ourselves and that it is OK to like what we like! And when we look closely, we can often find friends who also enjoy the same hobbies and preferences making things all the more enjoyable.
A perfect read for Pre-school and early readers. A great choice for a child coping with sensory issues or anxiety, as we can all relate to Snail and wanting to tuck into the safety, comfort and familiarity of our own shells once in awhile.
I was provided with an electronic copy of How to Party Like a Snail by Netgalley and OwlKids Books in return for an honest review. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this title! This will certainly become a regular on our shelf, and quiet parties will become a part of our lives.
September 12, 2022
Snail likes parties and he likes his friends...he just likes them best when they're not quite so loud. While Snail is perfectly cordial, positive, and self-accepting about his appreciation for quiet, some of the other animals just don't get it and, unfortunately, start to exclude Snail. This makes Snail sad and he begins to doubt himself, but a friend helps him come to a better understanding of the situation.
I absolutely adored how Snail managed to own his preferences while still focusing on the good of situations instead of complaining or putting down others' ideas of fun. Unfortunately, he wasn't paid the same courtesy by his other "friends" and I was disappointed that this wasn't acknowledged or resolved in the story. I'm glad he found a kindred spirit and his own fun, but would have loved to have seen the other animals accepting him as he his or meeting him halfway, as he'd been willing to do for them. That felt like a missed opportunity. That said, this is still an amusing and charming book and a great way to start a conversation with kids about accepting others, and one's self, just as they are.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
I absolutely adored how Snail managed to own his preferences while still focusing on the good of situations instead of complaining or putting down others' ideas of fun. Unfortunately, he wasn't paid the same courtesy by his other "friends" and I was disappointed that this wasn't acknowledged or resolved in the story. I'm glad he found a kindred spirit and his own fun, but would have loved to have seen the other animals accepting him as he his or meeting him halfway, as he'd been willing to do for them. That felt like a missed opportunity. That said, this is still an amusing and charming book and a great way to start a conversation with kids about accepting others, and one's self, just as they are.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
June 7, 2022
Over the years, many children’s books have been written in an attempt to rectify what so many view as problems with introverted kids. I have been so pleased with recent children’s books coming out that celebrate the qualities of introverts, and How to Party Like a Snail is no exception. In the book, snail is a party animal. It just so happens that the way snail parties is a little different. Snail enjoys the party and recognizes when he has reached his limit and needs to change things up. However, when the party invitations begin to dry up, Snail begins to question himself. At the end of the book, Stump, a fellow introvert, helps Snail realize that he can have quiet celebrations with others who enjoy similar things.
This would be a good book to read with both introverted and extroverted children. We can be inclusive with others and continue to invite them while recognizing that individuals have different needs and that honoring those needs is valid. The fun lines an lovely full colour illustrations will delight adults and children, alike.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by the publisher.
This would be a good book to read with both introverted and extroverted children. We can be inclusive with others and continue to invite them while recognizing that individuals have different needs and that honoring those needs is valid. The fun lines an lovely full colour illustrations will delight adults and children, alike.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by the publisher.
July 14, 2022
**Thank you to Owl Kids Books in connection with School Library Journal's Picture Book Palooza for the review copy. This in no way changed my opinion**
About a week ago, a patron at the library where I work asked me what my favorite picture book was. I didn't have an answer then because I'm not typically a picture book reader, but when this becomes available in September, it's this. I felt this book in my introverted soul ♥️
The book is about a snail who likes to party...but he likes to do so *quietly*. When the party becomes too rowdy, he retreats inside his shell and parties inside, where it's quieter and he can still enjoy himself. The book is a love letter to introverts who enjoy doing things with friends but also know when it's too much and can pull back. I love that this book exists to show kids it's okay if you don't feel like being loud and that you'll find friends who support that. I love it.
Additionally, the illustrations are super cute and fun. The party he has with stump looks so cozy and warm. I would be interested in checking out the other works of both author and illustrator. This is a home run.
About a week ago, a patron at the library where I work asked me what my favorite picture book was. I didn't have an answer then because I'm not typically a picture book reader, but when this becomes available in September, it's this. I felt this book in my introverted soul ♥️
The book is about a snail who likes to party...but he likes to do so *quietly*. When the party becomes too rowdy, he retreats inside his shell and parties inside, where it's quieter and he can still enjoy himself. The book is a love letter to introverts who enjoy doing things with friends but also know when it's too much and can pull back. I love that this book exists to show kids it's okay if you don't feel like being loud and that you'll find friends who support that. I love it.
Additionally, the illustrations are super cute and fun. The party he has with stump looks so cozy and warm. I would be interested in checking out the other works of both author and illustrator. This is a home run.
July 15, 2022
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
Snail likes the quiet parts during parties and being with his friends. However, when things get loud he party’s from inside his shell. His friends don’t understand this and stop inviting him to their parties.
Snail instead makes a SHHH party with all his favorite quiet things. He also finds out that Stump likes the same things that Snail does.
I think that this story is a great way to tell children that it’s okay to be different and to have likes and dislikes than your friends. I like that Snail finds a friend in Stump.
However, it would have been nice if Snails other friends came to his party and learned to appreciate the quiet party too. Otherwise the book is sending a message that you can’t be friends with people who don’t like the same things as you. At least it could have had them be kind and apologize for their behavior. It didn’t feel like there was closure from the original issue.
Snail likes the quiet parts during parties and being with his friends. However, when things get loud he party’s from inside his shell. His friends don’t understand this and stop inviting him to their parties.
Snail instead makes a SHHH party with all his favorite quiet things. He also finds out that Stump likes the same things that Snail does.
I think that this story is a great way to tell children that it’s okay to be different and to have likes and dislikes than your friends. I like that Snail finds a friend in Stump.
However, it would have been nice if Snails other friends came to his party and learned to appreciate the quiet party too. Otherwise the book is sending a message that you can’t be friends with people who don’t like the same things as you. At least it could have had them be kind and apologize for their behavior. It didn’t feel like there was closure from the original issue.
January 20, 2023
Snail likes quiet parties.
Snail likes to party, but he likes the quiet parts of parties and to party quietly. His friends don’t understand and eventually stop inviting him to parties, so Snail decides to throw himself a party.
Snail has a great time having his own quiet party, but he feels something is missing. It’s a friend. He discovers a kindred spirit in tree Stump who also loves quiet parties, and the two have a wonderful time.
I really appreciated that Snail was allowed to remain who he was. Very often problems in children’s stories are solved by having the protagonist change, which is great when it is something maladaptive, dysfunctional, non-beneficial, or outright negative but not so great when it is something positive or neutral. Snail didn’t learn to like loud parties but instead was allowed to continue to enjoy quiet parties and celebrate in his own preferred way. This story showed that people are allowed to like different things and that those who like quiet cozy parties have just as much value as those to like loud rowdy parties.
Snail likes to party, but he likes the quiet parts of parties and to party quietly. His friends don’t understand and eventually stop inviting him to parties, so Snail decides to throw himself a party.
Snail has a great time having his own quiet party, but he feels something is missing. It’s a friend. He discovers a kindred spirit in tree Stump who also loves quiet parties, and the two have a wonderful time.
I really appreciated that Snail was allowed to remain who he was. Very often problems in children’s stories are solved by having the protagonist change, which is great when it is something maladaptive, dysfunctional, non-beneficial, or outright negative but not so great when it is something positive or neutral. Snail didn’t learn to like loud parties but instead was allowed to continue to enjoy quiet parties and celebrate in his own preferred way. This story showed that people are allowed to like different things and that those who like quiet cozy parties have just as much value as those to like loud rowdy parties.
February 3, 2023
Move over Patrick Bateman, a new Literally Me character just dropped!!
Snail really likes to party. Only, he likes his parties on the mellower side. Quiet. Calm. So unlike his woodland friends who like to blast music and dance all night. But when his friends stop inviting him to parties, he realizes that his low-key tendencies might be the case. But he decides not to blame himself--maybe he just needs to throw a party of his own with other like-minded people...like Stump!
A wonderful story about staying true to yourself and remaining authentic, this book shows that there will always be someone like you willing to support you on your journey. And it might even be someone unexpected! The illustrations were so bright and colorful and perfect for reading aloud to children and teaching them how to infer clues and interpret different storytelling styles with images.
A clear winner in my book.
Snail really likes to party. Only, he likes his parties on the mellower side. Quiet. Calm. So unlike his woodland friends who like to blast music and dance all night. But when his friends stop inviting him to parties, he realizes that his low-key tendencies might be the case. But he decides not to blame himself--maybe he just needs to throw a party of his own with other like-minded people...like Stump!
A wonderful story about staying true to yourself and remaining authentic, this book shows that there will always be someone like you willing to support you on your journey. And it might even be someone unexpected! The illustrations were so bright and colorful and perfect for reading aloud to children and teaching them how to infer clues and interpret different storytelling styles with images.
A clear winner in my book.
April 19, 2024
One of the better Blue Spruce options for 2024 in my opinion. Snail likes having friends, but he doesn't like LOUD parties. Eventually his friends stop inviting him, which makes him sad at first, but soon he decides to have his own party! He invites himself, has some warm milk, and rolls himself up in a blanket - an excellent party! Except he feels like something is missing. Is it noise? No. It's a friend. So Snail's friend Stump asks to join the quiet party too! Both Snail and Stump are quiet party animals, and they enjoy the silence together until they eventually fall asleep.
A great representation of those of us who are a little more introverted than the rest of the world seems to think we should be. Growing up as a very shy, independent child, I would've loved the permission this book gives to be your true, quiet self. It's okay to be a quiet kind of party animal, like Snail and Stump.
A great representation of those of us who are a little more introverted than the rest of the world seems to think we should be. Growing up as a very shy, independent child, I would've loved the permission this book gives to be your true, quiet self. It's okay to be a quiet kind of party animal, like Snail and Stump.
August 18, 2024
One of the better Blue Spruce options for 2024 in my opinion. Snail likes having friends, but he doesn't like LOUD parties. Eventually his friends stop inviting him, which makes him sad at first, but soon he decides to have his own party! He invites himself, has some warm milk, and rolls himself up in a blanket - an excellent party! Except he feels like something is missing. Is it noise? No. It's a friend. So Snail's friend Stump asks to join the quiet party too! Both Snail and Stump are quiet party animals, and they enjoy the silence together until they eventually fall asleep.
A great representation of those of us who are a little more introverted than the rest of the world seems to think we should be. Growing up as a very shy, independent child, I would've loved the permission this book gives to be your true, quiet self. It's okay to be a quiet kind of party animal, like Snail and Stump.
A great representation of those of us who are a little more introverted than the rest of the world seems to think we should be. Growing up as a very shy, independent child, I would've loved the permission this book gives to be your true, quiet self. It's okay to be a quiet kind of party animal, like Snail and Stump.
November 15, 2023
"Snail is a party animal. Well ... kind of."
Snail loves the quiet things about parties like confetti and indoor voices. When things get too loud, Snail retreats into his shell. His friends can't understand why he won't come out of his shell. "He wonders if he's the only one who thinks that quiet is just as fun as loud." Soon, Snail isn't getting invited to any more parties. So, he decides to have his own party. "It'll be the funnest, quietest party I've ever been to!" At first, he tries to go it alone, but something seems to be missing. It is then that he notices Stump, who is always in the background, and realizes that Stump is just like him: "they both love parties ... just not rowdy ones."
Cute. Keep an eye on Stump to see what he's doing in the pictures.
Snail loves the quiet things about parties like confetti and indoor voices. When things get too loud, Snail retreats into his shell. His friends can't understand why he won't come out of his shell. "He wonders if he's the only one who thinks that quiet is just as fun as loud." Soon, Snail isn't getting invited to any more parties. So, he decides to have his own party. "It'll be the funnest, quietest party I've ever been to!" At first, he tries to go it alone, but something seems to be missing. It is then that he notices Stump, who is always in the background, and realizes that Stump is just like him: "they both love parties ... just not rowdy ones."
Cute. Keep an eye on Stump to see what he's doing in the pictures.
May 29, 2022
This is a really cute picture about a snail who likes to think of himself as a party animal. But Snail only likes certain types of parties, like the ones where everyone is quiet. He starts to feel disappointed when he stops getting invited to loud parties, but then decides to host his own, quiet party. This book is cute and funny and I think that young readers will love it! I would recommend this book for parents and teachers of children in the age 3-8 range. As a Grade 3 teacher I could definitely see my students enjoying this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
July 13, 2022
Miigweetch to Netgalley and Owlkids Books for the DRC.
This was a beautifully done children’s book that will have readers puzzling to themselves afterwards because it is impossible to not feel a kinship with the title character! Fantastic tale about an introverted snail who prefers quiet to loud, and his journey to find a friend to enjoy the “shush” with. Lovely story about accepting differences in ourselves and others.
I absolutely adored the artwork and look forward to adding this to our library. I recommend this book to anyone who works with young children, extroverted and shy, to show the breadth of the earthly experience and that it’s ok to feel and be different.
This was a beautifully done children’s book that will have readers puzzling to themselves afterwards because it is impossible to not feel a kinship with the title character! Fantastic tale about an introverted snail who prefers quiet to loud, and his journey to find a friend to enjoy the “shush” with. Lovely story about accepting differences in ourselves and others.
I absolutely adored the artwork and look forward to adding this to our library. I recommend this book to anyone who works with young children, extroverted and shy, to show the breadth of the earthly experience and that it’s ok to feel and be different.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews