Sorry, Snail

This picture book about making things right kicks off when young Ari, who reads as East Asian, storms outside upset and vents her wrath on an unsuspecting snail. “Look at that slimy body. That silly shell,” she whispers. “Those tentacle eyes! I JUST CAN’T LOOK AT YOU ANYMORE, SNAIL.” Leaf-munching snails might seem like oblivious targets, but, in a droll, faux-horror spread, this gastropod—Ms. Snail—arrives at Ari’s bedside that night, her tentacle eyes looming over the child’s face: “I request an apology.” Ari’s lacks conviction, and after staring into Ari’s soul, Ms. Snail slimes away with a parting shot: “Apology not accepted.” When the dispute escalates the next morning and an escargatoire rolls in to defend their friend in calling for “Snaily Justice,” Ari feels that she’s the victim. But a moment of genuine remorse over her initial behavior leads to Subisak (This Book Is Not for You!) showing what authentic reconciliation looks like. Shots of electric orange and deep purple, bold ink lines, and big speech balloons help deliver the message that angry words cause real and lasting harm—even when the insulter hasn’t intended it—and that half-hearted apologies and defensiveness compound the problem. Ages 3–6. Agent: Lori Kilkelly, LK Literary. (May)