Published By: Firefly Press
Pages: 160
Released On: 03/04/2025
Illustrated By: Brenda Figueroa
Reading Age: 7+
Shapeshifting snails on a mission to save the world!
Struck by lightning one fateful night, Fergus and Shelby receive the power to transform into whatever they want: custard, crisp packets, giant plastic crabs–you name it, they can change into it. And with a slug uprising taking place, things are about to get even stranger.
Can Fergus and Shelby save humankind from being turned into lettuces by an evil slug masquerading as the Prime Minister?
Expect the unexpected in the best thing since sliced cucumber!
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Firefly Press for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I mean, this had my attention by the title alone. And the cover – that is really striking, and will definitely grab any child’s attention.
This book is proof as to why I like reading kids books even though I’m in my 30s. As much as I might enjoy them, sometimes I don’t want a thriller or a murder or relationship drama, sometimes I just want world-saving snails. And I had just finished a really emotional book beforehand, and thought this would be a real uplifter.
The formatting wasn’t perfect on my e-arc but I did see some illustrations which were lovely. I’m a big fan of illustrations in books and these really helped the story come to life.
I would have liked a little bit more background at the beginning, because it does go straight into them being able to shape-shift; it would have been nice to see what had happened for greater context, but I doubt younger readers will be fussy about that.
It’s a very quick book to read. I read it in an hour or so, but even younger readers I think will get sucked in and speed through it. I’ve got children in my family aged 5-13 and I could definitely see the younger ones enjoying this. It’s odd and silly and quirky and fun.
I think there’s definitely scope for a sequel, perhaps even a crime-fighting snail series?
Books By Your Bedside 