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When We Were Snails

by Nan Cao Publisher: CROWN PUB INC

A bond that travels across distance

Regular price $18.12 USD
Regular price $30.21 USD Sale price $18.12 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

A bond that travels across distance

In When We Were Snails, moving from city to city is part of a mother and daughter’s shared life—until a job in another city separates them. The girl stays with her grandparents and holds on to her mother’s words and their memories, using drawing as she finds courage during the time apart. The snail image connects the story’s ideas of carrying home within oneself, leaving traces, and sustaining family closeness across distance. The book centers on separation, a working parent, and the relationship between a child and her mother.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 exploring time apart from a parent or another loved one.
  • Families seeking a picture-book story about the mother-child bond and staying connected across distance.
  • Young readers interested in stories featuring grandparents, drawing, and moving between cities.

Themes

Mother-child bondSeparation and reunionWorking parentGrandparents as caregiversHome and memory

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

When her mom has to work far away, a young girl holds on to the memory of her mother's unwavering love and dreams of their reunion. This heartwarming story delves into the challenges of having a working parent and the courage it takes to be apart from your loved ones. Features a unique jacket and case design!

"We are like snails: brave adventurers. They carry their homes on their backs and in their hearts. And they leave traces of themselves wherever they go."

A young girl and her mom move often from city to city, always starting over together like adventurous snails. But one day, when her mom gets a job in another city, they are separated for a long time.

While being raised by her loving grandparents, the girl can't help but miss her mom and yearn for the day they will reunite. But through drawing and remembering her mother's encouraging words, the girl learns to be brave on her own until they are together again.

With two distinct illustrated covers, one on the jacket and the other on the case, vibrant art, and poignant text, When We Were Snails depicts the love between a child and mother, and the everlasting bond that exists between them, no matter the distance or time apart.
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In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

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Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

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AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.