Go, Go, Go, Sebastian Slow

Go, Go, Go, Sebastian Slow is the tale of a tiny snail that hears a cry for help from another snail and immediately feels compelled to help. The animals he meets along his journey to find the poor creature are all very negative about his quest, telling him he is too slow to help. Sebastian ignores their comments, and his determination makes him slide even faster as he rushes to the snail's aid. The children who follow Sebastian cheer and encourage him, which also helps him speed up.

When he finally rescues the drowning snail, the other animals are amazed and want to know how he moved so quickly. Sebastian admits that he doesn't know how it happens, but suggests that maybe snails can choose to be quick instead of being slow. It's a matter of wanting something badly enough and doing all you can to get it. The animals realise that they make their own choices about how they behave, and it dawns on them that if the poor snail had drowned, it would have been all their fault. They feel ashamed at the realisation. The children cheer them all up, though, with cheers and shouts of joy for Sebastian, and the animals join in their chanting.

The story culminates in a very surprising and satisfying conclusion.

The story is written in rhyming verse for more enjoyment and includes several colourful, fun images.

The book encourages kindness and teaches young children to be brave and to try their best.

Many children's picture and story books are on the market, but Go, Go, Go, Sebastian Slow is unique. Not only does it tell a fun and exciting story about a tiny snail who goes on a massive mission, but the characters in the story can be sewn to accompany the book. Combining the book and a physical version of the child's favourite character would make an ideal gift.

While some publishers offer a factory-made, plush version of the main character along with the book, these are mostly for younger children and accompany a board book, not a paperback. By purchasing Go, Go, Go, Sebastian Slow, a relative or friend can order a pattern or kit to make any of the characters in the book, which can be easily sewn either by hand or machine. This makes the toy even more personal, especially if a child's favourite colour is used for the fabric, or their name is embroidered on it.

The characters were created by Gail Penberthy for her business, Endless Thread Design, details of which are in the back of the book.

Go, Go, Go, Sebastian Slow is the first children's book by Bea Stevens, although she has written several more, which are waiting to be published. Having written stories for most of her life, she began writing professionally in 2013 after she had to give up her day job due to breast cancer. Bea has written forty-six novels to date, and is both traditionally and self-published. Under her name, she writes Romantic Comedy and recently released the final book in The Liberty Lawrence Series, which is set in London and follows a twenty-something girl with an obsession for Louboutin shoes and a knack for solving mysteries and causing trouble. Bea's other books are written under pen names, as she writes mostly cowboy novels, which are more popular with the American market.

Bea hopes to release more children's titles soon.