A Book for Escargot

February 15, 2020
A Francophone snail struggles to find itself in a story. Escargot, a cartoon snail in a blue-and-white-striped shirt, a red kerchief, and a black beret, immediately breaks the fourth wall, opening with: "Bonjour! I see you are reading a book. I will try not to distract you." (The "you" here at the end is revealed to be a smiling black child holding a paintbrush. It's all very meta.) Of course, what follows is a meandering distraction. Escargot first talks about different books "you" might like, then laments the lack of vibrant, positive snail representation in these stories. Escargot then brags about itself, imagining that "you" are addressing it: "The main character of a story must have a problem, Escargot! You are so handsome, suave, and smart. What problem could you possibly have?" (The proliferation of "you"s here, referring to very distinctly different "you"s, will pose a challenge to young readers not totally conversant with the conventions of dialogue.) The problem turns out to be that Escargot is tired of salads. The ensuing adventure involves finding a French cookbook, learning that snails could be on the menu, and deciding that the only way to save the day is to eat the cookbook. It's barely even a story, and the annoyingly grandiose narrator is likely to lead non-Francophones to attempt a mocking French accent during read-alouds, an exhausting gag that tires itself out. Like the eponymous dish, this will whet limited appetites. (Picture book. 4-7)

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April 1, 2020

K-Gr 2-Escargot is a slippery snail bursting with personality. He likes kisses, salad, and books. However, when he wants to spice up his lunch menu, he slowly searches for a cookbook and a new recipe, leaving a trail of slime in his wake. Unfortunately, the book he finds is inspired by Julia Child's Art of French Cooking. Its signature recipe? Escargot! Along his journey, Escargot encourages readers to give him kisses and pep talks. The interactivity may amuse younger readers, while older readers will either groan at or laugh at the snail-inspired book puns like Harry GastroPodder and the Chamber of Salads. Hanson's illustrations are warm and inviting, making Escargot the cuddliest snail ever. VERDICT This installment lacks the simplicity of Escargot's debut (Escargot), but it is still a fun interactive book that will have readers practicing their own over-the-top French accent.-Chance Lee Joyner, Haverhill Public Library, MA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2020
Preschool-G In this charming follow-up to Escargot (2017), the small, French, beret-sporting snail has arrived at the library, ostensibly in search of a good cookbook, but gets distracted by the terrible lack of gastropod recognition in literature, where dog superheroes and guinea pig detectives steal all the glory. But no matter, the plucky snail, breaking the fourth wall, suggests that the reader help compose a tale starring a beautiful French snail hero and record the ensuing high jinks. The story takes a concerning turn, however, when Escargot finds a French cookbook and discovers a recipe for escargot. Hanson's soft, colorful illustrations draw readers into Escargot's miniature world as Slater's wonderfully silly story is presented through a direct conversation between snail and reader?an incredibly engaging choice. Though the narrative is a bit disjointed, children will delight in following the wide-eyed gastropod on his literary journey, and adult readers will laugh at some of the delightful details that fly over younger heads. Escargot is a treat!(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)