First, a little background: My mom passed away in mid-January, so I considered skipping this month’s post, as my head wasn’t in the right place for writing a cheerful post, and I certainly didn’t want to bring anybody down here. Better, perhaps, to stick to my current task at-hand, sifting through and disseminating Mom’s treasured Stuff (i.e., begging family members to take something … ANYthing). Lots of you have been in this position, I know, and understand the sad/sweet nostalgia that continually sends hot lumps up into your throat.
Last week I came, finally, to that which could no longer be ignored: The Photo Albums. Dozens of them. Mom wasn’t a confident writer, but she could take photos and caption memories with the best of ’em. She really picked up the pace in the years between my dad’s retirement in 1980 and his passing in 2005. Every possible family event is pictured, of course. But, MY GOODNESS, THE TRAVELING they packed into those 25 years!!! My Iowa-based parents were snowbirds, wintering in south Texas all that time. But when “home,” they added trips to Branson, MO; Plus 60 bus tours here and there; Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island; the Pacific NW (numerous times); Florida; Mardi Gras in New Orleans; down into Mexico; up into Canada. You name it and they’ve likely been there. I’ve got the proof.
This makes me wonder: How on earth did I become such a homebody?! I mean, I grew up traveling –– every summer we took lonnnng trips around the country, plus many (many) weekend camping trips closer to home. But … while my hubby and I do like to get out there and explore new places, I always feel happiest on the way home. Aside from traveling for school visits and writing conferences, which I thoroughly enjoy, I can go years without taking a proper vacation.
Anyway, late last week, while passing a local library, I swerved in. Couldn’t hurt to check the new books shelf, right? Maybe, maybe something there would inspire me to write a post. And there it was, one of my new favorite books, by the brilliant Naseem Hrab and Kelly Collier:
Talk about serendipity. At a time I’d just realized how very home-natured I really am, I meet this adorable little guy (first featured in How to Party Like a Snail) with the same instinct who gave me just the pick-me-up I needed. Here’s the publisher’s (OWLKIDS BOOKS) description, and please forgive me to taking this shortcut:
“Snail is an epic explorer … kind of. He loves the quiet things about adventures, like reading maps, hiking along slime trails, and collecting souvenirs. On big vacations, he finds the sights, sounds, and unfamiliar foods―like escargot!―way too overwhelming. In fact, his favorite part of a vacation is when he gets to return to his home SHHHweet home.
“So, while his friends take a trip to the city, Snail and his buddy Stump decide to have an adventure in their own backyard―a staycation! The pair smell the silence, listen to the SHHH SHHH of the waterfall, and read their guidebooks with their indoor voices. Just when they start to wonder if they’ve run out of things to do, they notice something new: parachute seeds falling from the sky! The seeds have arrived for a vacation, and who better to show them around than Stump and Snail?”
Puns and sweet, spot-on humor saturate this winner as we fall in love with these characters. I must have laughed out loud five or six times. I looked up the Amazon page for this cutie and was dismayed to see that it wasn’t selling like hotcakes. So give Snail some love and help this book along by asking your library to order it or even running out for your own copy.
I’ve ordered mine from home. 😉
Naturally, my mother took pictures of my every local booksigning. She had a saleswoman take this one in 2008 at the Davenport Barnes & Noble. Another recent find: an overstuffed manila folder, previously unknown to me, containing clippings that look to be every Jill Esbaum article, signing announcement, or postcard printed since my first book was published in 2004. Haven’t had the heart to look at those yet. But THANKS, Mom.
Jill, our parents live on in our hearts. Like yours, my beloved parents lived to travel. I have a closet full of treasured photos that reveal stories I never heard. I’ll travel to my library to read Snail’s story. May the road rise to meet you and the wind always at your back wherever you find yourself.
Joyce, that’s lovely. Thank you. I know you’ll like Snail!
Thank you so much for this Jill. My mom passed away this last Friday at 90 years young. I will be checking this out.
Aw, Deb. I’m sorry to hear that. Mine was a day short of 94. What nice, long lives.
Jill, what a lovely remembrance of your mom and a wonderful endorsement of How to Staycation Like a Snail. I LOVE this book and so identify with the theme! Keeping you in my prayers.
It’s such a fun book, Jody. Right up your alley, I would think! 🙂
Oh how lovely – a precious sweet memory tied to a wonderful new book. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve always believed there’s a picture book for every possibly feeling we have, Robin. 🙂
Thank you Jill. This post is a wonderful way to honor your mom. I will be checking out Snail’s story
Hope you love it, Rose!
Jill,
What a sweet post. Your mother was so proud of you! And with good reason.
Eight years after my beloved father died, I reached for one of the (seemingly) blank notebooks I’d taken home from his empty office. There in the back was a story he’d written. And I never knew my dad wrote stories….
That gives me goosebumps, Debra. What a gift to find!
Hello Jill, I sent you a message through your website. I will look for this book! I’m so sorry to hear about your mom.
For some reason, I didn’t get it, Susan. Hope you connect with this cute book like I did. 🙂
Lovely, lovely tribute to your mom and your relationship. Including, your “friendship.”
We lost our son nearly 20 years ago and I put a little bit of him in every book I write. Maybe you’ll find yourself doing that with your mom. 🙂
I discovered my local library has lots of Naseem’s books! Thanks for the heads up.
That’s a beautiful way of looking at it, Jean, after a devastating loss. Thank you for a sweet inspiration.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom, Jill! Thanks for sharing and mentioning this book, too. I’ll check it out!
You’re welcome, Kim. Hope you like it!
Oh, Jill, may your memories bring you comfort. I know the pain of losing a beloved mother well…Thanks for introducing me to such a sweet stay put snail!
Thanks for reading, Kathy! 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jill. So touching to discover how proud she was of you – something to comfort and carry with you. I think as we find the treasures they left behind we understand that our mothers were much more than we realized.
She was always supportive, but imagining her cutting out and carefully saving that big pile …. I just had no idea. And oh, gosh. I thought I knew her so well, but you’re right. We don’t know as much as we think we do.
Jill, I’m so sorry for your loss. You’ve lovingly honored her with this post.
Thanks, Lisa. 🙂
I love that photo of you & your mom, Jill! So sorry for your loss <3.
This book as well its predecessor, How to Party Like a Snail are both adorable. I really enjoyed the punny language & cute art.
There's no place like home <3.
There truly isn’t, Maria.
I’m so sorry, Jill. Thank you for sharing your burden and this bright spot of a book with us. I love that photo of the two of you.
The title of this story just makes me want to snuggle up in my warm home on this cold day. I’m looking forward to reading it.
YES, it does that so well. I know you’ll like it, Sue.
Thanks for sharing such lovely memories of your mom and the heartwarming discoveries you have made among her treasures. How sweet! I agree this book is a wonderful, funny hug of unlikely friendships and terrific dialogue, well worth sharing with little readers.
When I find a book I love and see that it isn’t flying off the shelves, it just crushes me. Of course, I’m well acquainted with that myself, but still. Makes me want to sing a book’s praises. Good thing I have an outlet for that. 🙂
I love the serendipity of you finding “How To Staycation Like a Snail” on your library trek! And how wonderful to find those treasures of your mom’s–the manilla folder clearly bursting with pride.
And boy, Buffy, I’m guessing I flipped through 25 books before this one found me. But all’s well that ends well, right? Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Mom memories❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for sharing yours.❤️🙏
So sorry for your loss, Jill. My mom passed in 2024 at 93 years old. I completely get the loss, the difficulty of sorting, and the pictures! Oh, my! So many pictures!
Thank you for sharing your story and introducing snail to a new audience!
A lovely post to honor your mom.
Janice
Dear Jill,
Your post touches my heart.
May the life that your Mom lived always be remembered. The way she touched many hearts cannot be erased. Cherish the memories.
I look forward to reading HOW TO STAYCATION LIKE A SNAIL.
Hugs.
This looks like a very cute book. Thanks for sharing! And what a special treasure to find from your mom! Sending virtual hugs!
Jill, your mother looks so proud of you at your Davenport book signing! Thank goodness for photos to preserve those precious memories.
Hugs,
Stef
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother! That is a hard one. I love your tribute to her and your family. Sweet, sweet memories. And this book! Fits right in and I can’t wait to read it. Thank you! And hugs for your loss.