Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell Book Review: Being Yourself
Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet's funny picture book about Norman, a slug who tries on shells to fit in, then learns being himself is best. Story and lessons.
"Everyone else has one, why don't I?" Children say it about shoes, tiffin boxes and school bags. Norman says it about a shell.
That small, familiar feeling is what makes this book so funny and so useful. In this Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell book review we look at the story, the pictures and the lesson about being yourself.
The short answer Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell is a funny picture book by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, the team behind Supertato. Norman, a slug with no shell, tries on all sorts of shells to fit in with his friends, and learns that being himself is the best shell of all. It is a laugh-out-loud story about self-acceptance. Buy Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell.
Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell book review: the story
Norman is a slug who feels a bit self-conscious. All his friends wear shells, and he does not have one.
Determined to fit in, he sets out to find the perfect shell. He tries on all sorts, from spiky ones to sparkly ones, but none of them feel quite right.
In the end Norman discovers that being himself is the best shell of all.
The characters
- Norman: the lovable slug on a quest for the perfect shell.
- His shell-wearing friends: creatures with all kinds of shells who inspire Norman's search.
Why children and parents love it
It has an entertaining story, relatable characters and funny pictures. Children and parents both enjoy the witty humour.
Underneath the jokes is a positive message about self-acceptance, individuality and friendship.
Being himself is the best shell of all.
The illustrations
The pictures are vibrant and full of personality. Every page is colourful and captures the humour of the story.
Expressive characters and playful details add to the fun, so there is always something new to spot.
Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell book for kids: how it helps
It is a picture book for young children, with a large format that suits read-aloud sessions and independent reading.
Self-acceptance and empathy
Through Norman's journey, children learn to value what makes them different and to accept others for who they are.
Creativity and imagination
Norman's shell experiments invite children to imagine their own silly versions.
Play tip After reading, ask your child which shell they would pick for Norman, and why. Then ask what they like best about being themselves.
About the authors, Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet wrote and illustrated the book. They are the creative duo behind the popular Supertato series, known for witty stories and vibrant pictures.
Similar books
- "Barry the Fish with Fingers" by Sue Hendra
- "Giraffes Can't Dance" by Giles Andreae
- "The Dinosaur That Pooped a Planet!" by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter
Gift it right: Norman the Slug as a birthday gift
A funny book with a kind message about being yourself is one of the best books as birthday gifts for kids. Buy Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell and add a name label for the inside cover and a name sticker for the wrapping.
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26% offSee all personalised book labels, or browse our gifts for kids.
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Frequently asked questions
Who wrote Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell?
Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, the creators of Supertato.
What is the message of Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell?
Being yourself is best. The story teaches self-acceptance and embracing what makes you different.
Is Norman the Slug a good read-aloud book for kids?
Yes. It is a large-format picture book with funny pictures, made for read-aloud sessions.
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