The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant)

Avon the snail has never had an adventure. And adventure, he has heard, is the key to a happy life. So with his new friend Edward the ant, Avon sets out on a journey to find the excitement his life has been missing.

This modern fable is filled with funny--and profound--insights about the meaning of things . . . great and small.

This is a perfect book for young readers to enjoy either with or without parents. It is fairly simple, and describes the adventures of a snail and ant who take a very long time to travel the length of a branch and back. Its genius is in the very short chapters which make readers feel like they are reading a much longer book. Avon and Edward have some philosophy, but mostly they just enjoy the adventures that come their way. Satisfying and simple.

whimsical little book full of silliness and wordplay, but also some thoughtful philosophy. but mostly silliness.

I liked this book for two reasons. This book is about a snail named Avon, and an ant named Edward. First, the writing is engaging and fun. The readers will get laughter out of reading this book. For example, there is a part of the book where the snail and ant race across a log. They think they are going fast, but in reality, they are going really slow. I have seen two small groups read this book and that is their favorite part because the commentary is so humorous. Second, the plot is organized. First, Avon, reads about many adventures that he would like to go on. The book then follows through the adventures that a snail and his ant friend take. The book goes through each conflict, such as when it begins to rain and they cannot find any show more umbrella. On their adventures, the snail and ant meet many different animals from other fairy-tales and fables. The big idea of this story is to always count on your friends and go on adventures! show less

The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant is the topsy-turvy, tongue-twistiest, silliest story of two adventurers: Avon the snail and Edward the ant. They long for adventures, so off they go with no particular place in mind, yet they meet a caterpillar who transforms into something new (a butterfly), a dragon, and even a imaginary grasshoppers. When at long last they arrive home, Edward's house has been transformed into a castle (of sorts).

I haven't liked many of Avi's books, including his Newbery-winner Crispin, but this is an exception. I spotted it on the shelf when I succumbed to Sounder, one of two or three Medalists I haven't read (because there's canine mortality, isn't there?). Armstrong is near Avi, and I glanced again at Avi because I saw that Crispin has a sequel.

It's a story more for adults than children, more so even than Harold and the Purple Crayon. Its illustrations are charming and so are the microministories, wordplay, and worldplay.

This was very, very silly and mostly an excuse for wordplay with not much substance behind it. I would not use it for a discussion again. Tricia Tusa's illustrations were charming.

Cover to Cover selection July 2013.