– Customer review on 14/09/2012

This is one of the children's books I wish I had written and illustrated - it is so incredibly lyrical, has a wonderful message and is stunningly illustrated. We read it all the time. The language used is complex but my children love to watch the pictures and listen to the rhythm of the words. They pick up enough to make it a treasured book.

– Customer review on 07/07/2011

A fabulous rhyming story for children (and their adult readers) to enjoy. For this story, Julia Donaldson brought me a reminiscence from "This is the house that Jack built" in the way she introduces her characters ..."this is the rock as black as soot and this is the snail with the itchy foot"... The illustrations are just beautiful, full of bright colours and enough detail to enjoy something new time after time. There are many and varied lessons that can be taken from throughout the book, or it can be enjoyed as a sweet story of travel and wonder at our world, through the eyes of a small snail and a great big grey-blue humpback whale. Highly recommended for homes, libraries and playgroups.

– Customer review on 01/07/2011

My 2 and 1/2 year and myself are just LOVING this book. What a great adventure the whale and snail go on across the oceans to far away lands with different climates, landscapes, animals and flora. Such a beautiful storyline and beautiful illustrations. I also like how this book introduces children to the plight of whales beaching themselves. A really good read.

– Customer review on 20/04/2010

The kids absolutely love this book, and I have bought it this time for a gift.

– Customer review on 07/01/2009

Another terrific book from Julia Donaldson and Alex Schleffer - this is one of their best. A lovely story with a wonderful message, and lyrical clear language which makes it a pleasure to read every time. And the illustrations are very engaging. My 2.5 year old son loves it.

– Customer review on 01/10/2008

Another favourite for my 3yr old. He loves the pictures & rhymes much like the rest of the books written by this author. The first read is always my favourite as he sits there wide-eyed from start to finish & even now he still waits with anticipation as the story unfolds again & again & again.....

– Customer review on 25/06/2008

This is a wonderful children's book as are all of this author's books - Momkey Puzzle, Room on the Broom, The Gruffalo's child, The Gruffalo etc. I liked this story as it incorporates problem solving into the plot and it is just down right enjoyable to read.

– Customer review on 25/06/2008

This is a wonderful children's book as are all of this author's books - Momkey Puzzle, Room on the Broom, The Gruffalo's child, The Gruffalo etc. I liked this story as it incorporates problem solving into the plot and it is just down right enjoyable to read.