The End of the Beginning
Harcourt, 2004
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Don’t miss the sequel!
if you liked this book, try:
Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant)
What’s this book about?
This is a story that begins where it ends and ends where it begins: in the treetop home of a rather small snail named Avon. Avon longs to go on an adventure. Adventure, he has heard, is the key to a happy life. So he sets out on an exciting journey with his new pal, Edward, a thoughtful but misinformed ant. Together they meet all manner of wise, weird, and intriguing creatures—including a dragon!—and discover that even tiny adventures can broaden your view of the world.
Story Behind the Story
To understand this story about a story you need to know that my birth certificate name is Edward, though other than signing a credit card I never use it.
Once upon a time I had a good friend, since passed, who was a writer. Avon actually published a number of fine non-fiction books along with his wife who was a professional photographer. They lived in rural North Brookfield, Massachusetts, the setting for another book of mine, Emily Upham’s Revenge.
Now the truth is, as a writer, Avon talked his craft very well, with wonderful wit. Indeed, he was a wonderful storyteller, with many a good tale to tell. That said, he was a very, very, very slow writer.
Awards and Recognition
- Through the Looking Glass, Editor’s Choice. 2004
- Best Adventure: Disney Adventures Sixth Annual Book Award 2005
- Maine Student Book Award 2005–2006
Reviews
“What is so extraordinary about this unique little book is that every time one reads it one finds something new to puzzle over or wonder at. New interpretations can be made and mulled over as one enjoys the whimsical and delightful pencil drawings created by Tricia Tusa. In the tradition of The Little Prince and Pooh, Avi has created a book which will delight, and puzzle, readers of all ages and for years to come.” (Through the Looking Glass)
buy the book
Don’t miss the sequel!
if you liked this book, try: