The Snail with the Right Heart: A True Story

I felt blind sided that the reviews did not indicate sex education would be part of the story (the love darts page). I bought and shipped this book for my granddaughter who is 8 and has 5 year old sister. The story would have raised many questions that my son and daughter-in-law did not feel appropriate yet and I agree. Neither the NY Times Book Review or Amazon's description clearly conveyed that content in their reviews. In addition, the drawings while beautiful were appropriate for a very young child's book, that format was out of context with the written content. For children age 8 who have read all the full-size Harry Potter books already as my grandchildren have, this format is almost insulting to them. I can't imagine why anyone thinks this young-child picture-format/layout is appropriate for 8-12 years old since age range is given 7-12. At the same time, I bought this book also for a local grandson (age 9) and had it shipped to me so I had the opportunity to read the book before giving to him. Thus I am returning the one shipped to me and my out of state son will be returning the one I sent to his children.

Finally, a well-written and beautifully-illustrated children's book! It is a rare book in modern times that accomplishes both, even the Caldecott winning books have deteriorated in terms of language use, making "The Snail with the Right Heart" an amazing find. Plus, it is a true story, which we encourage for young children. And it is a great story, too. I wish the book had better preview pages, I got it on faith that the pages would be good, and it worked out.

This is a thoughtful book using a small to talk about differences that make us unique. It is a quiet book and one made for discussion. It works best when a little one comes home after a not so nice day at school. Using science to talk about beauty and uniqueness is amazing fir all children—girls and boys.

The artwork is terrific and the story meaningful. But recognize that the story line involves themes not suitable for a grandparent to read to children under about 12 years of age. I ordered the book online to read to my granddaughter, age 6, assuming the wonderful artwork was representative of the target age group for the content. It isn't. Don't get me wrong though. I think the storyline and the book itself are extraordinary and well worth the modest cost, but read it through by yourself before you sit down with children to read it through, so you can anticipate the questions that may arise. The true story is well worth the read.

Designed as a small child’s book it talks about hermaphrodites and snail sex. Great pictures but not clear on audience with this presentation.

Lovely heartwarming story cleverly bringing science and history in a children story. Written by the talented Maria Popova (she has a beautifully written newsletter dedicated to science & art that I recommend anyone to subscribe to). Highly recommend the book for home library and as a gift. All proceeds are donated I’ve heard.

I was excited to discover one of my favorite writers' own illustrated children's book. I read this to my almost 5-year old who thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't find any of the topics too "loaded" as others have mentioned. It was an easy way to introduce biology and basic anatomy, which aren't new to my child. My only grip is how the structure jumps around a bit. Short sentences in one page, long paragraphs in another. I get that there is a lot to deliver, but I think the flow of the story could've been cleaned up a bit so it doesn't get too lecture-like in some parts. Overall, still a great story and beautifully illustrated.

Loved the book. Would be very helpful if you have a child who is having an issue with gender idenity. I got this book for me a 75 year old. A child of 10 to 11 could read and depending on maturity of a younger child have it read to them.

Will start by saying the illustrations are beautiful and the writing for the most part is fantastic.The main issue seems to be the books own confusion as to what its purpose is.The sentiment, underlying message and values, illustrations and science are all fantastic, but the pages jump from warm children's picture book language to large paragraphs of science education far beyond the reading age of prior pages. This results in a really fractured read for both child and adult with no real indication of tone or pace.

This book is really unique and beautiful. I welled up a bit reading it to myself because its meaning and depth is quite profound. Meanwhile the children loved learning of new concepts like genes, diversity and evolution. Wide ranging, Deep, and beautiful, like our world.

Amazing book for children and adults.

I got this book for Christmas for my 5 year old great grandson. He loved it so much that he demanded his parents read it over-and-over, every day. Highly recommended.

Wunderbare wahre Geschichte, so warm und lebendig erzählt und gemalt, ein Beispiel für die unerschöpflichen Zusmmenhänge zwischen Poesie und Wissenschaft, ein Bilderbuch für junge bis alte Erwachsene, Kinder wären vom Text überfordert.