ABOUT

The Snails and the Lions is a tender children’s picture book about quiet courage, unexpected friendship and the responsibility that comes with strength.
When winter destroys their little shelter, six snails must cross a frozen garden in search of somewhere safe. Their only hope lies inside the lions’ den. While the others hide in their shells, Eli—the smallest snail of all—finds the courage to speak. His bravery leads to an unlikely friendship in which the strong learn to be gentle and the small discover that they are worthy of protection.
The illustrations were created in a handmade mixed-media collage aesthetic, combining naive ink drawing with photographed paper, fabric, hessian, wool, cardboard, wire, stone and found objects. Visible stitching, torn edges, frayed fibres and natural shadows give each scene the tactile quality of a miniature world assembled by hand.
Moving from icy blue winter landscapes to the deep amber warmth of the lions’ den, the visual journey mirrors the story’s emotional transformation—from fear and uncertainty to trust, friendship and belonging.
The Snails and the Lions is ultimately a story about finding the courage to ask for help—and discovering that true strength is shown through kindness.
Story and illustrations originally by Jonathan Paterson, enhanced with AI.