Although Avi has written a modern fable for our times, elements from classic fairy tales are prevalent. The Snail is a reader, so he knows that everyone leaves on a journey to find adventure. Some insights about life in general unfold: "here" and "there" are not much different; while getting lost is easy, it is finding oneself that is hard; whether rushing or going slowly, one still arrives; and it is more important to look at the world with one's heart than just with one's eyes. The book plays on the words "beginning" and "end." Illustrated by the word play is the paradox that one has to leave home to find home.

English language arts grade 6 (2009). Creative writing 20.