Escargot and the search for spring

PreS-Gr 1--Tired of winter, snow angels, and even cocoa, Escargot, the small French snail, is ready for the new season. Wearing his blue-and-white striped shirt, a red scarf, and matching hat with pompom, the gastropod digs himself out of his snow-blocked front door and goes exploring. Endearing cartoon illustrations are softly colored and humorous: Escargot attempting to make snow angels but having to deal with the shell on his back, looking a bit shamefaced as he eats a snowman's carrot nose, and creating a new style for his antennae with a ribbon. His moods are easily read by the funny positions of his antennae: holding a snow shovel to dig himself out of his home and using one to hold a book while the other props up his head. Youngsters may wonder if the first sign of Spring isn't the beautiful flowers enjoyed by Escargot and his new friend, but an intrusive white rabbit. Is this the Easter Bunny with his basket--filled with fresh vegetables instead of eggs--labeled with Escargot's name? And is it an accident that gastropod (snail) and gastronomy (the practice of eating good food) come from the same Greek root? VERDICT Young children will get a kick out of Escargot's fourth story and may even learn a few of the French words scattered throughout Escargot's monologue.--Maryann H. Owen

Escargot tires of winter and searches for signs of spring. Even with a cozy blanket, stacks of good books, and a salad puzzle strewn on the floor, poor Escargot is feeling out of sorts. The tiny snail questions readers: "Does it seem like my eyes are not so bright? / Do my tentacles look droopy? / Perhaps my trail isn't quite as shimmery as before?" Escargot has "ennui." Not even hot chocolate sounds good anymore. Escargot decides to dig away at the snow that's piled up at the front door (readers will realize that the "snow" is in fact a fluffy bunny's hindquarters) and slide outside to find the first signs of spring. Escargot saunters off. But wait. Escargot leans in to whisper conspiratorially: "Is it just me, or is that snowbank following us?" "Oh lá lá!" Indeed, it's not snow; it's a bunny! With sad eyes and bowed tentacles, Escargot sighs, "You probably think the bunny rabbit is adorable. / More adorable than a French snail…" Hanson's gentle watercolors bring to life a charming verdant landscape. Equal parts insecure and boastful, Escargot embodies the roller coaster of emotions that many youngsters feel on any given day. Not to fear: Flowers are finally found and friendships are formed, but the steady, slimy path of chatty dialogue is, as usual, magnifique. Sure to banish cold-weather doldrums. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.