It is hard not to have a great sense of anticipation when you open a new Graeme Base book. His books are full of engaging, wonderfully detailed illustrations designed to be pored over by older and younger readers. The Legend of the Golden Snail is equally attractive, but there are some new approaches as well. Some of the illustrations seek to capture the experience of sailing through vast and lonely oceans, so he has exchange crowded details for subtly shaded panoramas.
The story is quirky, and structured in a way that will please younger readers. Young Wilbur hears the story of the giant snail, converted to a sailing ship by an enchanter. The opening pictures suggest the rest of the story is Wilbur’s imagination, but that can be left to the young reader to decide. I confess that I was hoping for a more emotionally engaging tale but still enjoyed the many pages of illustration.
There are a number of extra features that add appeal. You are greeted by a miniature book inside the front cover (the one that Wilbur’s mother reads to him), which has a lift up flap showing another (older) book inside it, with another lift up flap inside that! At the end we are told to go back and look for the “snail and cross bones” to be found on every page, and then there is the official Graeme Base web page. This is a beautifully constructed site (well worth a look). When children have found all the “snail and cross bone” symbols they can log in, answer some questions then get access to special features on the website, including activities you can play by holding the book up to a web camera!
This is a lovely book with much to commend it, though in some ways I would prefer less cuteness and more story. It will suit younger readers (and is also good for “read to me” moments). I like the idea of the online extension.
Andrew Lack
Head of the Odell Learning Resources Centre
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