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The Snail and the Whale

By Julia Donaldson

A tiny snail hitches a whale’s tail - until an enormous seaside surprise changes everything.

adventurous heartwarming inspirational rhythmic

Pageticker community rating

Average score: 4.77

From 240 readers

What do our readers think of The Snail and the Whale? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the exciting ocean journey, catchy rhymes and the friendship between the tiny snail and the enormous whale. They especially like seeing the brave snail help when the whale is in trouble and discovering that even a very small creature can make a big difference.

What does the Pageticker team say about The Snail and the Whale?

We love the way this rhyming adventure makes a tiny sea snail feel every bit as important as a giant whale. Julia Donaldson’s lively verse and Axel Scheffler’s detailed illustrations create a memorable journey while gently exploring friendship, courage and the idea that size does not limit what we can do.

Genres

Animals Adventure Friendship/Family

What is The Snail and the Whale about?

A tiny sea snail with a yearning for adventure hitches a ride on the tail of a giant humpback whale. Together, they embark on a thrilling journey across vast oceans, past towering icebergs and fiery volcanoes. When the whale becomes stranded on a beach, it's up to the small but brave snail to save her friend, proving that even the smallest creatures can make a big difference.

About the author

Julia Donaldson is a much-loved British author who has written many wonderful books for children. She is best known for creating 'The Gruffalo', a story about a clever mouse and a magical creature. Julia often works with illustrator Axel Scheffler to bring her fun and imaginative stories to life.

Discussion ideas around The Snail and the Whale

Big dreams: Why do you think the snail wants to travel beyond the rock, and what places would you like to see?

An unlikely friendship: How are the snail and the whale different, and what makes them good friends?

Small but brave: How does the snail show courage, and when have you seen someone small or quiet make a big difference?

Exploring the ocean: Which ocean scene would you most like to visit, and what might you see, hear or feel there?

Helping one another: How do the characters work together when there is a problem, and what can people do to help animals in real life?

Pages

32 pages

Reading age

Picture Book (2-7)

This edition

2016

First published

2003

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