Recent Reads: Sylvia Finds a Way by Stephanie Shaw

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program and West Margin Press in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Sylvia Finds a Way by Stephanie Shaw, Illustrated by Fiona Lee
Publisher: West Margin Press
Publication Date:  October 12, 2021

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

The story of how one small creature can have a powerful effect for her and her friends using the power of restraint, kindness, and respect.

As small as a finger and slow to move, Sylvia the slug has her own way of doing things. Upon discovering the garden next door has a wonderful bounty on display, Sylvia's animal friends come up with different methods to sneak in for a taste. But Sylvia sees another way to approach the garden, one that will make the biggest difference.

Gorgeously illustrated with the beauty of the outdoors, this book offers there is often a more peaceful way to resolve a conflict if you practice patience and kindness. Sylvia's Way also includes fun facts for you to learn and celebrate the slug, a common yet underappreciated and amazing creature.

Review: 

This was a charming story about a slug and a vegetable garden. Sylvia's friends all try to hop, sneak and fly into the garden to steal food but Slyvia has a better way. This story is all about the concept of getting 'more flies with honey than vinegar' or being polite pays off. Sylvia has a creative solution to the animals problem.

Aside from the charming message, this book also showcases a not often seen insect - the slug. She was cute in the illustrations and there is an information about slugs as well. I think that partents and young readers will also enjoy the yoga poses that Sylvia like to do in her adventure into the garden.

This book was so well illustrated and thought out. Sylvia is a slug and as she moves from page to page there is a glossy bit that follows her...that is her slime trail. It was a very fun way to sho off her trail and made me giggle with glee and follow along with my finger as she moved about the story. Very fun!

The book itself is also well constructed. The pages are thick and the binding is nicely done. The hardcover doesn't have a dust-jacket which I apprecitate. I feel like they are not necessary for chilren's books. 

I think this book will be a fun addition for parents looking for books with positive messaging, those that like insects, and for gardening/farming families as well.