MY PATH

A tiny snail contemplates the journey that is life.

A purple snail with a bright yellow shell peeks out from a log at sunrise. “I know it’s time to start my day and get on my path.” The intrepid narrator looks directly at readers with eager eyes and explains, “You can join me on my path if you want to. Let’s see where it takes us.” Through pebbled ground (“Sometimes I have to go very slowly and very carefully”), across a dense forest (“Sometimes my path is empty and lonely”), and once even interrupted by a cliff’s edge (“Sometimes my path seems to end very suddenly. This is unexpected. But I make a decision”), the snail moves assuredly forward. Showcasing life’s unexpected twists and turns, the gastropod imparts life lessons along the way. When a wide river looms, the protagonist shares some sage advice: “It’s ok to ask for help.” The yellow shell is a spot of hope as the snail moves across the pages in this tale that’s equal parts introspective and heartening. The smudgy illustrations match the meditative mood. The very young likely won’t understand all of the snail’s guidance, but they’ll be calmed and buoyed by the rhythm just the same.

A thoughtful road map for us all.