An introverted snail throws his own kind of party to celebrate all things quiet

Snail is a party animal. Well...kind of. He loves the quiet things about parties: confetti, making new friends (using his indoor voice, of course), and the silence before everyone yells, “SURPRISE!” But when parties get loud, Snail retreats into his shell. He’s still partying, but no one can tell he’s having a good time while he’s tucked inside. His friends don’t understand why he doesn’t love loud parties like they do, and soon Snail’s party invites begin to dry up.

In response, Snail decides to plan his own quiet party, complete with warm milk and lullaby lip-syncing. But something is missing—does Snail long for the “loud” after all? That’s when Stump, a fellow introvert, chimes in with an idea. Maybe Snail isn’t missing the “loud”…maybe he’s just missing a friend to share the quiet. Together, Stump and Snail turn the lullabies down low and celebrate “the shush” together.

With comics-style storytelling and lovable characters, this hilarious tale makes quiet so fun that even the most extroverted readers will want to SHHHelebrate!

Naseem Hrab is a writer and storyteller. She is the author of Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend and Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings. Her comedy writing has appeared on McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and The Rumpus. Naseem worked as a librarian for a time and now works in children’s publishing. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Naseem Hrab's profile page

Kelly Collier has been drawing since she was little, and studied illustration in college. She is the author-illustrator of A Horse Named Steve, Team Steve and The Imposter, and the illustrator of Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle and the Izzy series. She has an identical twin sister and an older brother. The idea for Steve the Horse came from a doodle she did to fill a small empty frame at home. Kelly lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and daughter.

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• Runner-up, Blue Spruce Award Honour Book
• Short-listed, Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award
• Short-listed, Maine Children’s Choice Picture Book Award
• Commended, Heather's Pick
• Short-listed, Joan Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s Book Award
• Short-listed, Great Lakes Great Books Award
• Short-listed, Cybils Awards
• Commended, An Indigo Staff Pick
• Commended, CBC Best Canadian Picture Book of 2022

"This delightful tale is perfect for bedtime and particularly for smalls who are sensitive to sound."

The Small Protagonist

"Hrab shares a positive message and highlights the fact that while noisy can be fun, quiet can be enjoyable as well."

Kiss the Book

"Hrab’s tale promotes inclusivity ... Children learn that while some people might like the loud, others thrive in the quiet, and just because a party is quiet, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!"

Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

"For those who often find parties too loud or rowdy, this book is a special affirmation that quieter parties are just as much fun as those that are not."

Canadian Children's Book News

"Although How to Party Like a Snail is written in a jovial and lighthearted manner, it introduces the reader to an important initiative – that is, increasing understanding and compassion toward introverts and sensory-sensitive individuals."

Canadian Review of Materials

"This could be a useful book for children who are hesitant to attend parties or playdates. Therapists or social workers may find it a worthy addition to their bibliotherapy toolbox."

Youth Services Book Review

"Tailor-made for younger party lovers with a low tolerance for high decibels. A SHHHpecial treat for children who prefer to play it…soft."

Kirkus Reviews

"This charming story with wonderfully comic illustrations reminds young readers that they can be themselves, and still find someone who shares their interests."

Calgary Herald

"A wildly charming, earnestly rendered 'SHHHellebration of the SHHHush.'"

Publishers Weekly - STARRED REVIEW

"Hrab tackles an important topic with humor: how can we belong if we aren’t like everyone else? [A] nice social-emotional addition to any collection, this has a very quiet character carrying a rather loud message: All volumes welcome."

School Library Journal