The Snail and the Whale... sniff

[BlueRaincoat1]

I have a 4 yr old and a 19 month old. DH bought the Snail and the Whale in the supermarket the other day, we have a few Julia Donaldson books but I'd never read this one before.
Was busy reading it to the 19 month old, I was liking the nice flowing rhymes, when it got to the bit about the Snail saving the Whale- I had to stop for about 30 seconds to compose myself. Wtf? And then I stayed pretty choked up til the end. And the exact same thing happened when I read it again.
Please tell me I'm not alone - does anyone else find this book emotional? It's taken me very by surprise, the Gruffalo and A Squash and a Squeeze don't have this affect!

See it was mentioned instantly but as soon as I read this I thought.. wait til you read paper dolls 😭

4 books purchased today thanks to this thread. And a box of tissues.

One which gets me, and it's only a short book, is My mummy says. Right at the end, This mummy says "you were great today, I couldn't ask for more" and this mummy says "I'm a lucky mummy, that's for sure"

Such a lovely thread - the effect of stories is wonderful.

I have a special love for Snail and the Whale and it has made me blub when I am a bit delicate. Paper dolls always gets me - more now that I have a wonderful yet very sick MIL. The thought of her taking her Seat in the memories next to the white mice and the butterfly hair clip is both wonderful but too real.

Stick man is proper sad. My DH has referred to our home as the family tree for many years - particularly when he has been away for a few days. Stick man’s journey and then his apparent giving up is so sad.

I will never, ever read goodbye mog. Ever

Saw this thread yesterday then took DS to the library today - spotted paper dolls. Thought I’d give it a try.

Was enjoying the book. Thought how bad can this really be?! It’s nearly finished. MNers must be so soft!

Then boom.

😭😭😭😭

I take it back - you were all right!! So beautiful. Going to buy a copy for new DD and write a message in it for when she’s older ❤️

NEVER read The heart in the jar, Oliver jeffers. Omg it's so sad, absolutely beautiful but brutal!

Clearly I'm heartless. Just read paper dolls. Nothing. Lost and found. Nope.

However, No matter what and Love you forever........ blub.

I don’t have a problem with The Paper Dolls but I get a weird lump in my throat when I have to read ‘Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!’, or similar festive greeting. Also in A Friend for Little Bear, when he says ‘I need my friend. I don’t need that cup!’

The Selfish Giant... gah! I’m in bits. And The Happy Prince to be fair (hope I haven’t remembered that name wrong).