Some Smug Slug

Reach for this book when you are parenting a child who is currently in a phase of overconfidence or struggling to listen to well-meaning advice from others. It is a perfect tool for discussing why it is important to pay attention to our surroundings and why hubris can sometimes lead to trouble. The story follows a very proud slug who ignores every warning from his fellow garden creatures as he climbs what he believes is a great hill. Written with delightful alliteration and a sophisticated vocabulary, it offers a rhythmic reading experience that helps soften the blow of its cautionary tale. While the ending is a bit of a shock, it provides a safe, metaphorical space for children ages 4 to 8 to witness the consequences of stubbornness and the value of humility.