HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW
Book: The Legend of the Golden Snail
Author and Illustrator: Graeme Base
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0-8109-8965-8
ISBN-10: 0-8109-8965-4
Related websites: www.graemebase.com (author), www.abramsyoungreaders.com (publisher)
Language level: 1 (nothing objectionable)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Rating: 5 stars (EXCELLENT)
Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker
For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com
Base, Graeme. The Legend of the Golden Snail (copyrighted in 2010 by Doublebase Pty. Ltd., Australia; published in the United States by Abrams Books for Young Readers, and imprint of Abrams, 115 W. 18th St., New York City, NY 10011). Wilbur’s favorite book is The Legend of the Golden Snail in which a giant snail from the mythical Spiral Isles became a golden galleon or “Snailing Ship” and was captured by a Grand Enchanter who used the beast to sail the oceans for a hundred years then banished it to the Ends of the Earth. Wilbur asks his mother to read it to him over and over. Then one day, Wilbur decides to find the Golden Snail. His mother makes him a Captain’s hat. On his journey, he sails by Butterfly Island and Crab Island and comes across a motley crew of earwig pirates.
Wilbur finally reaches the Ends of the Earth, but what he finds there isn’t quite what he imagined. It’s only a small shell lying on the sand. What will Wilbur do now? And how will he get home? The Legend of the Golden Snail is a delightful and imaginative children’s story filled with excitement on the high seas that will appeal to youngsters and their desire for adventure. Author and illustrator Graeme Base, whose widely-acclaimed alphabet picture book Animalia of 1986 has been immensely popular, provides stunning art that includes a hidden “snail and crossbones” symbol to hunt for in every picture. This book is a real keeper!
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