The Snail and the Whale

“This is the sea, so wild and free, that carried the whale and the snail on his tail…”

From the “unparalleled” partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo, comes a soaring tale of adventure that proves you’re never too small to make a difference. This 32-page classic, featuring a stunning redesigned cover, is a lyrical masterpiece that takes readers from the tiny rocks of a dock to the furthest reaches of the globe.

The Story

One little snail longs to see the world, but how can a creature so small travel so far? By hitching a lift on the tail of a “humpback whale, immensely long, who sang to the snail a wonderful song.” Together, they embark on an epic voyage past towering icebergs, fiery volcanoes, and deep-sea caves. But when the great whale loses his way and becomes beached in a quiet bay, it isn’t a fleet of rescuers who save him—it’s the tiny snail and her “big plan” involving a school blackboard and a very important message.

Why we love it

• The Power of the Underdog: A beautiful story that empowers children, showing that even the tiniest person (or gastropod!) can save a giant friend through bravery and quick thinking.

• Spectacular Scenery: Axel Scheffler’s illustrations are at their most ambitious here, capturing the “vastness of the world” with vibrant landscapes that range from golden sands to frozen seas.

• A Rhyming Masterpiece: The rhythmic, rolling verse mimics the movement of the ocean waves, making it one of the most soothing and “favourite” stories to read aloud at bedtime.

• As Seen on TV: This edition celebrates the story’s legacy, including its transition into a star-studded, beloved BBC animated special.

Product Details

• Author: Julia Donaldson

• Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

• Publisher: Pan Macmillan

• Format: Paperback (32 pages)

• Dimensions: 25 cm (h) x 28 cm (w)

Brand:

• Pan Macmillan

Categories: Play; Imaginative Play; Books; Toddler (1-3 years); Preschool (3-5 years); School Age (5+) Book; Pan Macmillan Play; Pan Macmillan Imaginative Play; Pan Macmillan Books; Pan Macmillan Toddler (1-3 years); Pan Macmillan Preschool (3-5 years); Pan Macmillan School Age (5+); Pan Macmillan Book