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“A touching celebration of the love between parent and child, even during time apart, and especially good for children who may be experiencing separation.”

—School Library Journal

“An affectionate ode to parental devotion in challenging circumstances.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“An empathetic and accessible selection for kids with a nomadic life, be it by choice or necessity, or those who are dealing with being temporarily separated from a parent.”

—The Bulletin

“Inseparable bonds between loved ones go the distance in this moving and reassuring picture book.”

—Booklist

When We Were Snails

Written by Nan Cao
Illustrated by Nan Cao
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers

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.

“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

Primary ISBN: 9798217028283
Publication Date: March 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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