Snail & Worm Again by Tina Kügler

Book cover for Snail & Worm Again by Tina Kügler

Today's post is written by DaNae Leu. DaNae is an Elementary School Librarian in Utah. She remembers reading and rereading Stan and Jan Bernstein’s Inside, Outside, Upside Down, her first cover to cover book, to anyone who dared walk through the room, where she lay in wait, eager to show off her new found super power.
 
Good easy readers beg to be read again and again. Little hands will rummage back through pages to relive favorite bits and jokes. The best easy readers delight the child and have a little something to tickle any captive adult.

Snail & Worm Again, has the straightforward format of two friends appearing in three brief stories. Snail is aspirational, reaching for glamor and distinction. Worm is a solid and grounded (underground) friend; supportive, but often questioning Snail’s whimsy. Also, it must be disclosed, neither is terribly bright. Amusement ensues. In each story Snail reaches to expand her sense of specialness. First, an opportune bit of detritus has her ready to defy biology and take flight. Next, she is enraptured by her Presidential reflection in a misleading “mirror”. Finally, she is sad to find her shell less than extraordinary. In each instance, Worm is there to give support. Also, to dutifully point out difficulties that Snail has overlooked: he will be sad if she flies away, her reflection sports a beard, ears, and chin, which Snail clearly lacks, her shell holds all the qualities she admires in others. Each section ends with warmth and a giggle.

Snail & Worm Again, works well for young readers. The dialogue between our characters is clipped, clear and repetitive. But not repetitive to the point of fatigue. Two challenging words – handsome and reflection – are used multiple times for emphasis. There is clear affection expressed between the two distinct characters, drawing the reader into their world. The illustrations are expressive and distinct. A wordless, two-page spread – showing the two sad mollusks – is simply divine. The use of a penny as a plot device is familiar and does not require undue prior knowledge. Knowing the identity of the face in the refection is not necessary.

The only concern I have about the content is the closing joke, in which snail wishes to ride a bicycle. It’s a bit more sophisticated than the rest of the book and may confuse young, literal minds.

All in all, Snail & Worm Again is a solid mid-level Geisel choice. There is nothing about it that screams, “Stamp the medal, no need to look further”, but it ticks lots of boxes. I will be keeping it in mind come January, when I create the short list for my Mock Geisel. Will it find a place in our Mock's big eight? Will it rise high enough to gain a medal - real or Mock? Time, and other titles, will tell.