What do you think?
Rate this book
Jeremy, the English Garden Snail: Heredity, Citizen Science, and #snaillove
Clear, informative, and quite fascinating. Kirkus Reviews
In a charming garden of London, a tiny hero emerges – Jeremy, a garden snail with a remarkable difference. Most snail shells coil right, but Jeremy's shell spirals to the left, making him a one-in-a-million wonder. That small difference will catapult him to fame, as scientists and snail enthusiasts rally to help him find a mate. Written by award-winning author Darcy Pattison and beautifully illustrated by Olga Gonina, this engaging story follows Jeremy's journey from a humble compost heap to international stardom.
When Dr. Angus Davison, a geneticist at the University of Nottingham, learns about Jeremy, he sees an opportunity to unravel the mysteries of genetics and body symmetry. But there's a snail-sized problem – Jeremy needs a left-coiled partner to mate with! What follows is a heartwarming tale of citizen science, as Dr. Davison launches the #snaillove campaign, reaching out to people worldwide to help find Jeremy a mate.
This book is more than just a cute story about a snail looking for love. It's an elementary introduction to the world of heredity, inheritance, and scientific research, all wrapped up in an accessible story. Young readers will learn and The basics of genetics and how traits are inherited.The importance of body symmetry in nature.How scientists conduct research and solve problems.The power of citizen science and global collaboration.The life cycle and characteristics of garden snails.The story takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged while subtly teaching them about scientific processes and patience in research. It shows young readers that science is all around us, even in our own backyards, and that anyone can contribute to scientific discoveries. The book encourages observation, curiosity, and a love for the natural world.
The included backmatter provides additional information about garden snails, citizen science projects, and a glossary of scientific terms.
This charming picture book is ideal aged 5-10 who are curious about nature and scienceClassroom read-alouds and science units on genetics or invertebratesInspiring young girls and boys to pursue interests in STEM fieldsTeaching children about the scientific method and research processesEncouraging participation in citizen science projectsWith its engaging narrative, beautiful illustrations, and valuable scientific content, "Jeremy, the English Snail" is sure to become a favorite in homes, schools, and libraries. It's a story that will make children and adults alike look at the world around them with newfound wonder and appreciation.
Join Jeremy on his shell-spinning adventure and discover the amazing world of science through the eyes of one extraordinary snail. "Jeremy, the English Snail" is more than just a book – it's an invitation to explore, question, and fall in love with the marvels of nature and the joys of scientific discovery.
ANOTHER EXTRAORDINARY ANIMAL SERIES
Bird. Mammal. Marine Mammal. Spider. Amphibian. Reptile. Gastropod.
This series includes the story of the oldest bird in the world, a spider in space, an orphaned puma cub, a bullfrog with a world-record leap, the poignant story of saving a species from extinction, the dolphin who inspired a government to protect him, and a humble snail who teaches us to observe.
In a charming garden of London, a tiny hero emerges – Jeremy, a garden snail with a remarkable difference. Most snail shells coil right, but Jeremy's shell spirals to the left, making him a one-in-a-million wonder. That small difference will catapult him to fame, as scientists and snail enthusiasts rally to help him find a mate. Written by award-winning author Darcy Pattison and beautifully illustrated by Olga Gonina, this engaging story follows Jeremy's journey from a humble compost heap to international stardom.
When Dr. Angus Davison, a geneticist at the University of Nottingham, learns about Jeremy, he sees an opportunity to unravel the mysteries of genetics and body symmetry. But there's a snail-sized problem – Jeremy needs a left-coiled partner to mate with! What follows is a heartwarming tale of citizen science, as Dr. Davison launches the #snaillove campaign, reaching out to people worldwide to help find Jeremy a mate.
This book is more than just a cute story about a snail looking for love. It's an elementary introduction to the world of heredity, inheritance, and scientific research, all wrapped up in an accessible story. Young readers will learn and The basics of genetics and how traits are inherited.The importance of body symmetry in nature.How scientists conduct research and solve problems.The power of citizen science and global collaboration.The life cycle and characteristics of garden snails.The story takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged while subtly teaching them about scientific processes and patience in research. It shows young readers that science is all around us, even in our own backyards, and that anyone can contribute to scientific discoveries. The book encourages observation, curiosity, and a love for the natural world.
The included backmatter provides additional information about garden snails, citizen science projects, and a glossary of scientific terms.
This charming picture book is ideal aged 5-10 who are curious about nature and scienceClassroom read-alouds and science units on genetics or invertebratesInspiring young girls and boys to pursue interests in STEM fieldsTeaching children about the scientific method and research processesEncouraging participation in citizen science projectsWith its engaging narrative, beautiful illustrations, and valuable scientific content, "Jeremy, the English Snail" is sure to become a favorite in homes, schools, and libraries. It's a story that will make children and adults alike look at the world around them with newfound wonder and appreciation.
Join Jeremy on his shell-spinning adventure and discover the amazing world of science through the eyes of one extraordinary snail. "Jeremy, the English Snail" is more than just a book – it's an invitation to explore, question, and fall in love with the marvels of nature and the joys of scientific discovery.
ANOTHER EXTRAORDINARY ANIMAL SERIES
Bird. Mammal. Marine Mammal. Spider. Amphibian. Reptile. Gastropod.
This series includes the story of the oldest bird in the world, a spider in space, an orphaned puma cub, a bullfrog with a world-record leap, the poignant story of saving a species from extinction, the dolphin who inspired a government to protect him, and a humble snail who teaches us to observe.
- GenresPicture Books
33 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2025
6 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Pattison
138 books117 followersDARCY PATTISON (www.darcypattison.com) is published in ten languages.
Children’s book author Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, Junior Library Guild selections, and NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature.
Children’s book author Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, Junior Library Guild selections, and NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 22, 2025
This book tells the story of a snail whose shell coiled the opposite of the typical direction and the genetics research that followed. I love it when someone takes the time to notice small things--like snails!--in our world and then devotes time to a better understanding of this creature. Based on what ensued, a lot of people were interested in this story so I'm glad it's available to kids now. The art adds another layer to helping kids understand some scientific elements of Jeremy the Snail and his amazing backwards shell.
February 6, 2025
This fun story is true! It starts with a question: why did Jeremy the snail have a left-leaning shell when most go the opposite way? The investigation sparked other questions about heredity and the prevalence of this anomaly. In this fascinating story, readers learn to pay attention to nature. They learn to think and observe like a scientist. I enjoyed this story and can definitely see it being valuable in classrooms. An fascinating read!
February 6, 2025
What a fascinating story of snails and science! Young readers will surely look much more closely at the world around them and see what they can discover--whether a rare left-coiled snail or another interesting discovery! It's also fantastic to read about an example of community science--the experiments wouldn't have been possible without the help of people around the world searching their backyards and compost heaps for left-coiled snails. I really enjoyed this book.
February 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
A very child-friendly story, elegantly told, with an introduction to heredity, inheritance, citizen science, community effort, and scientific research, all rolled into one. It's a must-have for every classroom and library - it's such an accessible way to teach all these concepts.
I'm going to be looking at every snail now, to see how its shell is coiled.
A very child-friendly story, elegantly told, with an introduction to heredity, inheritance, citizen science, community effort, and scientific research, all rolled into one. It's a must-have for every classroom and library - it's such an accessible way to teach all these concepts.
I'm going to be looking at every snail now, to see how its shell is coiled.
February 14, 2025
This story will break your heart and make your spirits soar! Romance, mystery, an international community coming together for a common cause. Plain language and Pixar-like illustrations let the magic of this true tale shine through. Buy this book for the left-handed snail in your life. Citizen science for the win!
February 27, 2025
In clear, direct language, the author shows how genetics and heredity work while also telling a heart-warming story. Nature is full of wonders! This and other books in the series are charming and informative introductions for young readers.
March 13, 2025
The thoughtful comparisons in this book make the concepts so much easier to follow and understand - and the science fascinating! This book brings this unique true story to young readers. It's a must-read for science-minded kiddos!
February 6, 2025
The pictures of the snails in this book are adorable. A great primer on genetics and the true story of when a scientist discovered a rare left-handed snail named Jeremy.
February 10, 2025
Cool introduction to genetics and citizen science with cheerful and appealing illustrations. Also snails! What's not to love?
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews