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Walter the Wonder Snail

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Walter is a snail who is really, really bored of leaves. Surely there's more to life than leaves? His fellow snails are happy just slowly munching away... but not Walter! He wants to try something new.

Walter's never seen beyond the large, looming leaves and tall towering flowers of his simple, small world. He sets out on an incredible journey full of challenges, unlikely friends and remarkable sights!

The brave, curious snail meets heart warming animal characters, like Lottie the squirrel and Kendrick the frog, who inspire him to continue on a big adventure, particularly for such a tiny creature.

Comical scenarios, rich artwork and a stunning colour palette makes this a lovable read. Walter the snail will encourage readers to think big and not to be afraid of change!

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 4, 2023

32 people want to read

About the author

Neil Clark

52 books9 followers
Neil Clark is a music-loving, star-gazing illustrator and author. His rural upbringing, in the Yorkshire Wolds, fuelled a playful imagination and a love of storytelling. This, combined with a degree in Illustration & Animation, led to a successful career in design. Neil has now found his happy place, writing and illustrating children's books.

Children's Books: Represented by Plum Pudding Agency

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5 stars
37 (48%)
4 stars
28 (36%)
3 stars
10 (12%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Rosh ~catching up slowly~.
2,349 reviews4,792 followers
March 19, 2023
In a Nutshell: A cute though farfetched story about a little snail with big dreams.

Walter is no Turbo the speed-racing snail from the Dreamworks movie, but he still is a wonder snail in his dreams and his determination. He is fed up of his life amid the leaves and wonders if he should explore more. The other snails dissuade him with their constant refrain of “But that’s not what snails do!” Walter, however, knows what is best for himself and sets out of a journey into the unknown. With the help of some animal friends, he soon discovers that the world is indeed much more than leaves.

If you notice the cover page of the book, you will see a tagline that declares, “Be brave, be curious, be Walter!” That covers the essence of the book. Walter explored the unseen terrain with bravery. Walter knows that there’s always something more to explore and one needn’t settle for what people tell you is enough. But most importantly, Walter knows that it is okay to rely on friends for help, and that even after the bravest and most curious of journeys, one shouldn’t forget one’s roots, or one’s home.

There are plenty of great messages that come out through this book – whether directly through Walters’ friends who help him on his journey, or the indirect ones that we can gauge from Walter’s experiences.

Why not 5 stars then?

Well, as a child, I sure would have loved a snail going so much out of its way and being what it is essentially not. As a parent though, I could see the myriad dangers Walter puts himself into. He was lucky enough to find helpful animals at the right time. Without the bird or the frog for example, there was no way Walter alone could have travelled through air or into water. At the same time, notice the danger in accepting this help. Some birds eat snails, so Walter could have put his life at risk by accepting help from a bird. Similarly, by exploring inside the pond, Walter could have drowned by not knowing how to swim. Though it is just a picture book, I would have appreciated a word of caution. The world is not full of do-gooders, and kids also need to learn that exploring goes hand in hand with caution.

Also, the fact is that simply saying ‘I can do whatever I set my mind to’ doesn’t actuate itself in every life situation. I wish Walter’s sojourn had been a little more realistic, so that children could learn to take disappointments too in their stride. This book was too simplistic!

The story is written in a simple prose style with easy vocabulary. There are not more than 3-4 sentences on most pages, and every sentence carries the story ahead with a wonderful imagery, not something I can say for most picture books. I loved the use of the ‘sound’ words. Onomatopoeic effects add so much fun to children’s books!

The illustrations are lovely. Every page is bright and filled with the colours of nature. And snail with a little leaf hat – adorable!!!

Recommend to little ones aged 3-6 years, preferably to be read with an adult companion to get a complete picture of Walter’s travels.

4 stars.


My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the DRC of “Walter the Wonder Snail”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.



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Profile Image for Heather Adores Books.
1,574 reviews1,817 followers
June 2, 2023
Is the grass always greener?
Walter is tired of always looking at leaves and leaves his friends behind to go on an adventure, something he never thought he could do.

What I enjoyed:
~ how Walter has a dream, chooses to be brave and slowly goes out of his comfort zone to achieve that dream
~ all the new friends he meets along the way that welcome him into their area and show him he can try something new
~ Kendrick the frog’s great advice ~ you can do whatever you put your mind to
~ how he showed his snail friends that he could do things they never thought they could ~ like climb a tree and go swimming

The illustrations were perfectly fitting to the story.

All in all, this is a cute, non rhyming story perfect for children ages 3-6.

*Thanks to the author, Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,076 reviews159 followers
March 26, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Walter the Wonder Snail is an inspiring and uplifting story for young children about Walter the Snail. Walter wants to travel and see different things instead of just leaves. One day, he packs up his shell and sets off on a journey to discover the outside world. With help from animal friends, Walter travels far and wide until he gets caught in a downpour and misses the dryness of his leafy home. Walter finds a fun and unique way to travel home at speed the next day, and his Snail friends can't believe Walters adventure story - "That's not what snails do!" they cry. But we know differently!
This book encourages children to step outside the box and realise they can do anything they want to with courage and dreams. The illustrations are so much fun, and this is sure to delight any child.
272 reviews167 followers
March 24, 2023
Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Walter the snail keeps dreaming that he'll discover the world around him, even though he knows he should be keeping his mind on staying on the leaves - because that's what snails do. He's unhappy till he finally gives himself permission to consider a different path for himself.

It's important to dream, and the story shows how Walter finds a way to both do what he really wants to do, and inspire others around him too, to explore the world and not stay in the same place forever. The vibrant illustrations really support this idea.
Profile Image for Isabelle.
Author 1 book66 followers
August 12, 2025
This is so cute! I love the gorgeous illustrations and the story was really fun too. My daughter enjoyed meeting Walter’s new friends and seeing what they could do together. Happy Yak is one of our favorite publishers and they didn’t disappoint with this one!
Profile Image for Marte.
337 reviews5 followers
April 15, 2023
I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

This was a really cute story, with beautiful illustrations! I love how all the animals help Walter experience new things, and seeing more of the world! Such a cute one, that I feel like a lot of children will like!
Profile Image for Lucy Kirby.
1,052 reviews
February 28, 2023
Walter the Wonder Snail is an adorable and moving picture book. The illustrations are gorgeous and do a wonderful job creating the atmosphere. Each character Walter comes across is unique and moves the story forward. As for the text, I loved how descriptive each word used was. Clark did an incredible job both as author and illustrator.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Jen Hardy.
69 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2023
If you are looking for an adorable book about a snail having an existential crisis and setting out into the world out of spite and with the sole purpose of proving everyone else wrong, look no further than Walter The Wonder Snail.

Walter enjoys his quiet piece of earth surrounded by leaves but wonders if there is more out there for him. When he sets out on his adventures, he meets lots of new friends that give him the courage he needs to successfully complete his quests. Walter soon learns that believing in yourself is the most important thing.

Neil Clark wrote an enchanting children’s book, one that is fun to read for all ages. Walter the Wonder Snail is set for publication on April 4, 2023.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this children’s book.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books233 followers
February 2, 2023
Fun, adventure and a dash of illogical nonsense make this a book to get lost in again and again.

Walter spends his entire day among leaves, chomping away, but he wants something more. The other snails think he's bonkers. After all, snails love leaves. Walter packs his bag and heads out to show them that he can do more. And that's where his adventure begins.

This is a super-cute read, which has a snail to love. Walter's attitude just puts a smile on the face as he heads out into the big world of the backyard and beyond. The writing flows so well, making this an easy-to-sink-into read, which promises an adventure, which is simply fun. Readers will wish they could join Walter themselves on his journey. The only thing, which jolts a tinsy-bit is the flat introduction of the creatures Walter meets...so sudden when compared with how smooth and natural the rest of the read is.

The illustrations are bright and bold, and hold a more simple style while drawing in with a sense of cheerfulness. Walter is well-portrayed as he goes from one moment to the next. The adventures come alive, especially when the fun action hits, and will have listeners giggling or ooo-ing and ahh-ing.

Of course, there's a message in there, too, about going beyond your comfort zone and not letting others define who you are or what you can achieve. Plus, there's a warming ending to wrap it up. I see this one as a great edition to classrooms or even at home. I received a DRC and was so close to giving this one 5-stars.
Profile Image for Jessica Kluthe.
Author 5 books75 followers
May 15, 2023
In this fresh take on the theme of leaving the nest, flying the coop, or, in this memorable molluscs’ case, sliding slowly into the unknown — we meet Walter The Wonder Snail and a whole host of playful critters that help him on his quest to “leave the leaves” and explore the world beyond.

One mark of a good book is that it touches on those universal ideas — to connect us — in this case, ideas of home (as a place to both leave and return to), of facing fears, and of coming into one’s own. But, those good books do so in a way that is really specific, well-drawn, absorbing… fresh and illustrate these big ideas in new ways. THIS is one of those books!

AND, dare I say it offers a very, very excellent replacement for a certain well-known, super rhyming book that is a go-to gift for milestone achievements… you know the one.

There is so much to love about this book: it’s joyful, bright, bold, and fun! Some pages contain cool panels that mimic the comic book format — keeping the reader engaged in the action and moving the story along. Some pages give the reader a wide perspective and others show Walter’s up-close point of view. These techniques all work together to make a VERY engaging read.


Thank you to Happy Yak Books and Quarto Kids for gifting this awesome book to my family in exchange for an honest review. We LOVED it!
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
4,631 reviews94 followers
April 27, 2023
This picture book has cute, colorful illustrations and an empowering story about a snail who pursues his dreams in spite of the naysayers around him. Many parents and teachers will enjoy using this book with children to teach them about how to dream big dreams, set goals, and find supporters who will help them.

On his journey, Walter meets many different animals who encourage him and give him new opportunities. In real life, some of these animals would be a threat to him, and the book sometimes overstates its message, making it sound like you can do absolutely anything. We all have limitations! Still, the book as a whole encourages kids without being too unrealistic, and I like the message that even when the people around you are content with the status quo and criticize you for wanting bigger things, you can still pursue your dreams and encourage others to do the same.

I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
863 reviews27 followers
February 16, 2023
Be brave, be curious, and be like Walter the snail!
A book about a snail who wants to know more. Who wants to be more. A snail who is different, who wants to see more, who wants to understand more. This is definitely a book any kid would benefit from! Through the eyes of a snail, it encourages you to see beyond what is right in front of you, it encourages you to go where you have never been to, and it encourages you to experience what has not been experienced yet. of course, it is scary to stand out and to be different, but if the little and oh-so-adorably cute snail can do it, so can you!
Also, the drawings are really cute! They are large, clear, and colorful, and the text is not too long. Each tiny piece of text is followed by a relevant and cute drawing.
Profile Image for Storywraps.
1,968 reviews38 followers
February 22, 2023
This book teaches a lovely life lesson...follow your dreams and know you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Walter the snail is surrounded by leaves, leaves and more leaves. He is bored and wants to explore and discover more of the world around him. But can he?

His peer snails discourage him but Walter is determined to have his longings become a reality. With the help of kind animals along the way Walter is able to make the impossible become the possible.

The illustrations are beautiful and I love the positive and encouraging message to the reader...be brave, venture out and follow where your heart may lead you. The book will spark meaningful conversations and inspire kids ( and adults too ) to reach for the stars. I highly recommend "Walter the Wonder Snail."
1,018 reviews13 followers
April 3, 2023
Thank you to the author, Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This children's book about a snail with big dreams is great to read aloud with young readers and the illustrations are wonderful. The central message of persevering, even when everyone around you doubts you, is great. Walter has lots of adventures, meets new friends and concludes that home is not so bad after all. At the same time, I found the overarching theme of "you can do anything if you really want to" overshot a bit. - some of the "friends" Walter meets are actually dangerous to snails in real life, e.g. birds eat snails. And sometimes you may really, really want something, but it's not achievable despite all the wanting.
Profile Image for Lexy.
92 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2024
What a fun book to help kids out of their comfort zone!
This book is about Walter and how he is trying to be brave by doing new things that he would not normally do.
Along the way, he meets other insects that try to help him try something he has never done before.
This book will provide many great social-emotional learning lessons. Discussing things we are scared of, why we are scared of them, and then allowing other kids to comment on whether they have done them, why they do or do not think it is scary, etc. This book will allow kids to think of ways they can venture out of their comfort zone and be brave like Walter.

Thank you, NetGalley for an e-reader copy of this book!
Can't wait to add this one to the library.
8,851 reviews128 followers
February 1, 2023
A fun if illogical look at a snail that manages to exceed snaildom's limited outlook. While his friends and family are all about the leaves, Walter is much more keen on exploring the outside world – and with the help of friends manages to see a lot. Such as flying while holding on to a slime-ignoring bird's back, and potentially drowning. Yes, you could wish for a lot more common sense about things here, but for the target audience our snail hero is a friendly critter with only the best of intentions, and the drama of his life is nicely presented. Four stars are a little illogical and generous, but that's what I give this.
Profile Image for Jamie Loves Books .
612 reviews123 followers
February 20, 2023
5 ⭐️

Oh. My. Gosh. 😍🥰🥹 How much cuter can Walter the snail get! The illustrations in this book just melted my heart and I fell in love with the adventurous snail!

Walter is a snail that is bored of his home of leaves. He wants a little adventure and see the world, However he does learn that you can have an adventure and still yearn for home.

I highly recommend this book to kids with young kids. It's incredibly cute and a keeper!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

I will be posting my review to my Instagram page the.littlest.bookworm and retail sites on or close to publication.
Profile Image for Matthew.
2,885 reviews51 followers
April 17, 2023
This book is a fine example of a story that's published a few times every year whose messaging is both positive and familiar. The story of the adventurous loner that goes out seeking more in the world and often a little kinship from like-minded adventurers is a well trodden path in children's literature, but also one that never goes out of style. I remember reading the similar Verdi by Janell Cannon when I was a kid and last week I was reading Neon Leon by Jane Clarke to my son and getting the same messaging. This one is well done and will surely be well received by many. It's not groundbreaking, but it's a pleasure all the same.
Profile Image for Ryan.
5,647 reviews33 followers
October 26, 2023
Walter is a snail who is tired of living amongst the leaves. He wants to move fast explore high, explore far, and explore different places. That is not what snails do, but with the right type of friends they can. We follow Walter on his adventure and realizing that there is a need for a home, and sometimes you need to go back. This story has been done many times before but what sets this one separate from others are the amazingly wonderful and fun illustrations. Happy Yak books has been able to take more mundane in stories and make them something that kids are going to want to read over and over and over again.
Profile Image for Morgan.
861 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
Walter has always lived in a world where "snails can't ....". One day he decides that Walter can, and what Walter can is: climb trees, fly, swim, travel, and many other daring activities. After Walter is done traveling he quickly rolls home to tell his story and let everyone else know that they can too.
This book is a great way to show young children that they do not always have to listen to others when they tell them they are not capable of achieving their dreams.
Profile Image for Amanda.
103 reviews
February 24, 2023
Walter The Wonder Snail is a bookshelf MUST HAVE! Absolutely adorable, charming illustrations and an inspiring premise for children of all ages. Great messages for children: dream big, cultivate friendships, accept help, the impossible is possible and it is absolutely more than okay to go against the grain. This is a book I'll buy for our bookshelf and recommend to others. If it gets released in French, I'd buy it for my kids' classrooms!

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, Happy Yak, and Netgalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Jill Hansel.
17 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. This book was so cute!!! I couldn’t help but do voices for the characters as I read it out loud. The story has the feel of classics I grew up with that have some moral to the story but more modern. The positive message of being to do anything you can put your mind to despite others saying you can’t is a great message for kids and they’ll get it through the fun adventures of Walter. The illustration was great also. I really enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Kylee.
109 reviews10 followers
March 31, 2023
My daughter said, I feel like Walter the snail was SUPERR cool and it made me feel like I can put my mind to ANYGHING. He went on an amazing journey and met new friends along the way.
I feel this is a great book teaching children that they don't know if they don't try, that you can do anything you put your mind to and that sometimes if I just wasn't meant to be you'll find your way back.
The illustrations were super cute and colorful the verity of different animals was nice and showed no matter your differences they may be willing to help you and be there to encourage you.
4 reviews
March 31, 2023
We absolutely loved this book! I read it to my toddler who has since requested me to read it millions of times. The art is lovely, and eye catching. The over all message of overcoming obstacles, being who you want to be, and the feeling of community is very wholesome. There are several different voices throughout the book, and my little one loved when we assigned each one a funny voice.

I was provided a copy through NetGalley as an ARC, and will absolutely be purchasing a physical copy of this book to continue reading with how much my toddler has loved this book.
Profile Image for Lisa.
269 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2023
This is everything I love all wrapped up in one. I have a huge love for snails ☑️, it's wonderfully colourful and bright ☑️, filled with nature ☑️ and oodles of fun ☑️ with a marvellous message for the reader to think big and follow their dreams ☑️. Could a book get any better!?!

Walter thinks big until one day he doesn't just 'think' big, he does BIG and wow what a world of adventure and fun is out there. A brilliant book that encourages you to dream, to think big and do big things. What a perfect message for children.

For a peep inside - https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqxoq_asJOF/
Profile Image for Dyn✨️.
28 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2023
A very beautiful book, the story is interesting and fresh about a snail who has many dreams amidst limitations. This book is not only loved by children but also adults. The illustrations are very cute, I really like every detail of the illustrations, the colors, also the various characters are drawn very beautifully.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for allowing me to read and review this beautiful book💕
Profile Image for Audra .
138 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2023
This was a delightful picture book about a snail who decides to break out of the role of what a snail is supposed to do. My kids were drawn to the cover and loved hearing about the adventure of Walter and imagine where else he may go. I enjoyed the theme of doing something that’s not expected and finding an adventure. As my kids begin to notice what other kids are doing, I love stories that stress the importance of individuality and differences and curiousity.
Profile Image for Amberleigh Million • a.millionbooks.
648 reviews22 followers
February 21, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.

My boys (age 5 and 3) loved this adorable book about Walter the Wonder Snail. Walter lives a boring life among the leaves. One day he decides to "think BIG" and go on an adventure even though that's not what snails do. Along the way he meets a squirrel, bird, frog, and rabbit who help him overcome obstacles.

This would be an excellent book for classrooms and early readers. It has a nice message and beautifully colored illustrations.
68 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2023
Walter the Wonder Snail was a very enjoyable read. If you enjoy the Snail and the Whale, you will have a good time reading this with your children. The illustrations along with the enjoyable adventure captured the attention of my children of all ages.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this advance copy.
Profile Image for el (celestialbronz).
567 reviews184 followers
February 20, 2023
"I now know that anyone can do anything they put their mind to"

Walter is not a regular snail. He's a snail that have big dreams: to travel high and far, despite what his snail friends say.. And who would imagine that he could get new friends too along the way?

Nice illustrations too, I love it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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