The Amazing Trail of Seymour Snail

by Lynn E. Hazen, Doug Cushman (Illustrator)

Seymour has always dreamed of being a great artist. But he's shy about showing his artwork and, being a snail, he's slow. Who will hire him?

When Seymour finds a job at the Speedy Arts Gallery, he is thrilled― until he finds himself sliming envelopes shut and delivering packages. Well, even great artists have to start somewhere. And who knows? Seymour's big break might be just around the corner!

Genres: Art, Childrens, Science Fiction Fantasy, Picture Books

64 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2009

About the author

Lynn E. Hazen writes books filled with humor, heart and hope. SHIFTY, her young adult novel, was praised by Kirkus Reviews as “a realistic story that resonates. Smart writing and an engaging narrative keep the story fresh, while an interesting plot will keep readers turning the pages.”

SHIFTY was chosen for VOYA’s Top Shelf Fiction, as a CCBC Choice, and as a Smithsonian Notable.

Lynn’s books for younger readers include: two young chapter books, Cinder Rabbit and The Amazing Trail of Seymour Snail, Mermaid Mary Margaret (middle grade novel), hailed "a winner" by Kirkus Reviews; and Buzz Bumble to the Rescue (a picture book).

Lynn earned an M.F.A. in Writing For Children and Young Adults at Vermont College, and an M.A. in Education at San Francisco State University.

Lynn E. Hazen enjoys giving presentations at schools, libraries, conferences, and literary events. She teaches classes in Writing for Children & Young Adults at UC Berkeley Extension & Stanford Continuing Studies.

Lynn lives with her family in San Francisco, CA.

Lynn blogs at The Imaginary Blog:
http://LynnHazenImaginaryBlog.blogspo...

http://www.ShiftyTheBook.com
http://www.CinderRabbit.com
http://www.MermaidMaryMargaret.com
http://www.myspace.com/ShiftyTheBook

Reviews

[Lisa Suchy]

A transitional chapter book about a snail named Seymour. His friends come over one day, but he must hide his art work because he does not want them to know he enjoys painting. Seymour hides them under a sheet and when he lets his friends into his house, a wind blows the sheet off, exposing all his paintings. His friends are impressed with his work and encourage him to look for a job as an artist! He calls different places about landing a job as a painter. In a humorous way, the many places he calls for a job do not work out for Seymour. He finally lands a job with Mr. StinkBug at Speedy Arts Gallery. His job is completing mundane tasks like sealing envelopes shut. With one job, he has to deliver something up a flight a stairs to the owner of the gallery and it takes him forever! There is a rumor of a mystery inspiring painter and you will never guess who it is!
This book is a fun story, that is broken up in small chapters, perfect for a reader transitioning into longer, chapter books. There are small black and white illustrations on each page. The humor the author has used in the book kept me interested. The author wrote little puns such as a snail working for Speedy Art Gallery and a spider who works for the World Wide Web, that actually made me laugh aloud at times while reading. I would recommend this book for grade 1 or 2 as a transitional chapter book for students who may love insects or reading about any type of animals.

[Pat Salvatini]

Shy about showing his art, aspiring artist Seymour works at a local art gallery sealing envelopes and delivery packages while waiting for his big break. Short chapters and an abundance of illustrations make this a good transitional chapter book although the plot is slow (no pun intended) and the belief in the character challenging.

[Kristen]

A little gross, but cute.

[Melanie, Aaron, Annie, and Mary Project]

Read by: Mary
Author: Lynn Hazen Illustrator: Doug Cushman
Genre: Fantasy
Interest Level: 2-3 grade

The Amazing Trail of Seymour Snail is about a snail who likes to do art. When he shows his friends his artwork, they tell him he should get an art job. Seymour calls and finally gets a job for a art delivery. He ends up using his slime to close letters and goes on a delivery. When he has an adventure delivering the art to a famous artist, everyone is in an uproar about the mysterious artist. The artist ends up being Seymour because of his slime trail. This is a good independent chapter book with humorous pictures

[Jim]

At the beginning of this charming book, Seymour the Snail timidly comes out as an artist to his friends. Encouraged by their positive reaction, Seymour searches for a job, finally landing at a local art gallery's mailroom. Seymour patiently plods through the less-than-creative job, always keeping his dream alive. Lynn Hazen had created a modern-day parable for creative types everywhere, and filled it with the best kind of humor - the kind enjoyed by adults and children alike. A heartfelt and hope-filled tale that kids will love.

[Carol]

Seymour Snail is excited that his friends are coming to visit. He quickly hides all of his paintings and sculptures because he is too shy about anyone seeing them. His plan backfires and his friends encourage him to be an artist. Seymour embarks on a job hunt that is quite humorous, eventually finding the perfect job for his abilities. This is a quick read with cute black and white illustrations.

[Kristen]

This is a cute first-chapter-book. Seymour Snail hopes to be a great artist someday, but finding a job as an artist in this fast-paced world isn't easy. At 64 pages with cute illustrations, Seymour's story is a surprisingly quick read. I love the light humor; when asked how he makes such amazing designs, Seymour Snail replies, "It just oozes out of me."

[Terry]

This is a cute story. The characters are cute and the wordplay is wonderful. With lots of illustrations and plenty of humor, this is a great selection for reluctant and remedial readers.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.

[Victoria Whipple]

I read this book soon after spending time with my niece who loves catching snails and letting them slime all over her. This is a cute early chapter book about a snail with a flair for creating unique works of art.

[Kate Hastings]

RL 410. Even great artists need to start out working on the ground floor. Snail isn't very good at deliveries, but fortunately his true talents are discovered. Super short chapters. Great transitional book. Grades 1 and 2.

[Claudia Fett]

Hoping to become a famous artist one day, Seymour Snail takes a job in a New York City art gallery, where everyone is buzzing about a "magnificent mystery artist". This book would be perfect for a strong first or second grade reader.

[CRC Washburn]

You cant' see the book jacket, but there is a snail with a long slime trail, wearing a barret and painting on an easel with a finger-board pallate.

[InkandSam]

Great story, I just wish that the illustrations would have been in colour :(

[Beth]

Gooey fun for young readers who are just starting the easiest chapter books.

[Janet Weber]

This was cute

[Mary]

On the second page there are other books that are suggested as read-alikes. Boo's Dinosaur by Betsy Byars and Cinder Rabbit, among others, would be good choices.

[Heidi]

A silly early chapter book. I have been trying to find books Anneke will read. I heard of this one. She enjoyed it. I would read more about Seymour.

[Karin]

#36a
Cute, illustrated chapter book about a snail who longs to be an artist.

[Dolores]

3 1/2 stars. Very gentle and quiet read. Good for earliest chapter readers.

[Gwen]

fine for an early chapter - nice snail, following dreams, short chapters