How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Owlkids, 2024. $21.95 ages 6 and up

Then they smell the smells, 
listen for the sounds, 
and take in the sights. 

Snail and Stump are having so much fun that 
things start to get really adventurous."

Those who met Snail in How To Party Like A Snail, are sure to be happy to meet up with him again. He remains an observer rather than a participant. He admits that he is an explorer who loves quiet adventures: he reads the odd map, hikes occasional slime trails, and finds wonder right where he lives. 

His first vacation with boisterous friends does nothing for him; he much prefers the company of his best friend, Stump. When asked to join them on their next exciting venture, Snail is adamant that home is where he chooses to stay. Of course, Stump has no choice. Perhaps they can have an adventure right where they are. 

"Stump, do you want to go on an
adventure right here? 

I hear that here is the new there!"

So, it is decided. While the other animals are off kicking up their heels on their trip, Snail and Stump enjoy their staycation every bit as much as the others. They get great enjoyment from the sounds, sights, smells that surround them; soon, they are having a splendid time together. 

Just when they begin to think they might have seen all there is to see, they are surprised by the arrival of small fleet of parachute seeds who are looking for someone to show them around. Snail and Stump are having so much fun with these new friends. When the seeds realize that the time for their adventure is coming to an end, they make the decision to stay put. How cool will that be? 

The cartoon art is full of expression, the dialogue will have listeners hooting with delight, and the chance to see their neighborhood through new eyes make it a great readaloud. Having a group of children read the separate parts for each of the characters will only add to the fun of reading it again.