When We Were Snails - by Nan Cao (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

When her mom has to work far away, a young girl holds on to the memory of her mother's unwavering love and dreams of their reunion. This heartwarming story delves into the challenges of having a working parent and the courage it takes to be apart from your loved ones. Features a unique jacket and case design!

"We are like snails: brave adventurers. They carry their homes on their backs and in their hearts. And they leave traces of themselves wherever they go."

A young girl and her mom move often from city to city, always starting over together like adventurous snails. But one day, when her mom gets a job in another city, they are separated for a long time.

While being raised by her loving grandparents, the girl can't help but miss her mom and yearn for the day they will reunite. But through drawing and remembering her mother's encouraging words, the girl learns to be brave on her own until they are together again.

With two distinct illustrated covers, one on the jacket and the other on the case, vibrant art, and poignant text, When We Were Snails depicts the love between a child and mother, and the everlasting bond that exists between them, no matter the distance or time apart.

Review Quotes

"A touching celebration of the love between parent and child, even during time apart, and especially good for children who may be experiencing separation." --School Library Journal

"An affectionate ode to parental devotion in challenging circumstances." --Kirkus Reviews

"An empathetic and accessible selection for kids with a nomadic life, be it by choice or necessity, or those who are dealing with being temporarily separated from a parent." --The Bulletin

"Inseparable bonds between loved ones go the distance in this moving and reassuring picture book." --Booklist

About the Author

Nan Cao was born in China but is now a New York City-based illustrator, specializing in editorial illustration and children's books. Nan is the illustrator of the picture books Sour Cherries and The Carpet. Her work is inspired by surreal imagery and her daily life in the big city. When she is not drawing, Nan loves to hang out in the park, daydream under the sun, or get lost in her book collection.