"Lately, Snail
hasn't been invited
to many parties.
Instead, he
spends a lot of
time waiting.
And waiting ...
And waiting ... "
Snail is convinced he's a party animal. Unlike others, he likes the quiet things about parties: an indoor voice, confetti, whispered wishes, and the very quiet moment before everyone yells SURPRISE! As anyone who attends parties knows, they are not nearly quiet enough for Snail. When it gets loud, Snail finds comfort inside his shell.
Hidden there, he can enjoy some of the party's fun. His friends wish he would join them. Snail is content. He tries to explain to those friends who don't seem to understand that quiet is very important to him. It makes Snail wonder if he is the only one who feels that way. He does notice that invitations are lacking. He waits patiently.
When a letter finally does arrive, it is addressed to Stump. Poor Snail! Turns out that Stump is a much-valued guest at all parties. Poor Snail! What's to be done? What if he hosts his own party?
"First, he invites himself.
Then he makes a pot of warm milk
and lip-syncs to all of his favorite lullabies."
Then, he decides it should be even quieter. All alone, it soon worries him that something essential is missing. It's Stump to the rescue with an understanding that parties can be different for each of us.
Funny, expressive and charming, this book is SHHHure to please the introverts and quieter children with whom it is shared. Great storytelling accompanied by engaging, humorous artwork makes this a terrific read aloud.
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