Jeremy, the English Garden Snail: Heredity, Citizen Science, and #snaillove (Children's Animal Book Series) - Softcover

Pattison, Darcy; Gonina, Olga

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1629442569 ISBN 13: 9781629442563

Publisher: Mims House, 2025

Synopsis

2026 Best STEM Book
2026 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book
Clear, informative, and quite fascinating. Kirkus Reviews

In a charming garden of London, a tiny hero emerges – Jeremy, a garden snail with a remarkable difference. Most snail shells coil right, but Jeremy's shell spirals to the left, making him a one-in-a-million wonder. That small difference will catapult him to fame, as scientists and snail enthusiasts rally to help him find a mate. Written by award-winning author Darcy Pattison and beautifully illustrated by Olga Gonina, this engaging story follows Jeremy's journey from a humble compost heap to international stardom.

When Dr. Angus Davison, a geneticist at the University of Nottingham, learns about Jeremy, he sees an opportunity to unravel the mysteries of genetics and body symmetry. But there's a snail-sized problem – Jeremy needs a left-coiled partner to mate with! What follows is a heartwarming tale of citizen science, as Dr. Davison launches the #snaillove campaign, reaching out to people worldwide to help find Jeremy a mate.

This book is more than just a cute story about a snail looking for love. It's an elementary introduction to the world of heredity, inheritance, and scientific research, all wrapped up in an accessible story. Young readers will learn about:

• Heredity and inheritance: The basics of genetics and how traits are inherited.
• The importance of body symmetry in nature.
• How scientists conduct research and solve problems.
• The power of citizen science and global collaboration.
• The life cycle and characteristics of garden snails.

The story takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged while subtly teaching them about scientific processes and patience in research. It shows young readers that science is all around us, even in our own backyards, and that anyone can contribute to scientific discoveries. The book encourages observation, curiosity, and a love for the natural world.

The included backmatter provides additional information about garden snails, citizen science projects, and a glossary.

This charming picture book is ideal for:

• Children aged 5-10 who are curious about nature and science
• Classroom read-alouds and science units on genetics or invertebrates
• Inspiring young girls and boys to pursue interests in STEM fields
• Teaching children about the scientific method and research processes
• Encouraging participation in citizen science projects

With its engaging narrative, beautiful illustrations, and valuable scientific content, "Jeremy, the English Snail" is sure to become a favorite in homes, schools, and libraries. It's a story that will make children and adults alike look at the world around them with newfound wonder and appreciation.

Join Jeremy on his shell-spinning adventure and discover the amazing world of science through the eyes of one extraordinary snail. "Jeremy, the English Snail" is more than just a book – it's an invitation to explore, question, and fall in love with the marvels of nature and the joys of scientific discovery.

READ THE CHILDREN'S ANIMAL BOOK SERIES - Meet the Animal Kingdom!

Bird. Mammal. Marine Mammal. Spider. Amphibian. Reptile. Gastropod.
This series includes the story of the oldest bird in the world, a spider in space, an orphaned puma cub, a bullfrog with a world-record leap, the poignant story of saving a species from extinction, the dolphin who inspired a government to protect him, and a humble snail who teaches us to observe.

The series is more than just an introduction to the animal kingdom. It chronicles the story of how humans interact with animals in various ways: how we enjoy, challenge, admire, endanger, and save them. It's a fabulous series for kids to learn about the amazing complexity of animals.

About this title

About the Authors

Children's book author and indie publisher DARCY PATTISON has written over seventy award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Five books have received starred PW, Kirkus, or BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, five Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book (CA Reading Assn.), two Junior Library Guild selections, two CLA Notable Children's Book in Language Arts, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book, a Best STEM Book, an Arkansiana Award, and the Susannah DeBlack Arkansas Children's History Book award. She's the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor's Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children's literature. Her books have been translated into ten languages.

Olga Gonina is a Colombian illustrator focused on scientific and nature art, children's books, and infographics. With experience illustrating children's STEM magazines, she combines her love for nature and storytelling. As an amateur naturalist, Olga captures the wonders of the natural world through her striking and captivating illustrations.

Edition details

• Publisher: Mims House
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1629442569
• ISBN 13: 9781629442563
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 33