SNAIL BOY

Move over, Clifford. Seeking protection from chefs and exterminators, Snail, big as a pony but, as he says, “better looking, and much more interesting,” sets out to find an owner. Able to do simple tricks, provide shelter from rain, and above all to talk, Snail wins over an initially reluctant lad who rides him—slowly, slowly—to the pet store for toys and snail chow, then off homeward. McGuirk illustrates this tongue-in-cheek hookup in minimalist cartoon style, endowing her grinning gastropod with a huge, iridescent shell placing him against monochromatic backgrounds, and adding an occasional thought balloon or visual joke. Here’s one uncommon, wholly engaging companion/pet that’s definitely not going to run off. (Picture book. 5-7)