The Snail and the Whale

Synopsis

“How I long to sail!”
Said the tiny snail.

A snail and a whale head off to see the world. But when the whale needs help, can the tiny snail think of a plan big enough to save him?

Bring this charming story to life as you listen to this reading by Imelda Staunton, then sing along with The Snail and the Whale Song. 

Biographies

Julia Donaldson has written many of the world’s most-loved picture books. The 2011-2013 UK Children’s Laureate, Julia also writes fiction, songs and plays, and her live children’s shows are always in demand. Julia and her husband split their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.

Axel Scheffler is an award-winning star illustrator whose instantly recognisable, warm and witty illustrations have become firm favourites of millions of children. Born in Hamburg, Axel lives with his partner and daughter in London.

Read along with . . .  

Imelda Staunton is a Bafta-winning film, TV, radio and stage actor. She was the voice of Aunt Lucy in the film Paddington and played Professor Umbridge in the Harry Potter films. 

Lyrics:

This is the tale,
The incredible tale of a snail and a whale. 
This is the tale, 
The incredible tale of a snail 
Who sailed all round the world on the tail of a whale.

Land, sea and sky.
It was all so enormous it made the snail sigh.
Land, sea and sky.
“Oh, how terribly tiny am I,
“Oh, how tiny am I,” said the snail with a sigh. 

Then came the day
When the whale lost his way and was beached in a bay.
Then came the day
When the water was slipping away 
And he heavily, helplessly, lay in the bay.

Here comes the snail. 
Keep your eyes on the blackboard – she’s leaving a trail.
Here comes the snail
And she writes on the board, “Save the whale.”
“Save the whale,” writes the snail with her silvery trail. 

Dig, squirt and spray.
All the children and firemen are working away.
Dig, squirt and spray,
Till the tide rolls back into the bay
And the snail and the whale travel safely away. 

Snail after snail
After snail slithers onto the tail of the whale.
Snail after snail
And they sing to the sea as they sail
Yes, the sing as they sail on the tail of the whale.