The End of the Beginning

Avi. (2004) Orlando: Harcourt, Inc. 0-15-204968-1

PLOT SUMMARY

A snail decides to go on an adventure and befriends an ant to accompany him on his journey. The journey takes them to the end of a branch and then back again. Along the way they meet a few characters and find encouragement in each other's accomplishments.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

The story waxes philosophic as they question the significance of their undertaking. It seems a bit lofty in thinking, but at the same time, simple and common sense. There is a certain amount of hilarity in the frivolousness of many of their encounters, such as creating a new song for the cricket to sing--the word "cheese" repeated over and over again so that it is different from the other crickets, and the battle that the snail Avon has with another snail which happens to take all night since they take their time in reaching each other, and in the morning, neither knows who won.

READER'S ANNOTATION

An ant befriends a snail who is about to undertake an epic journey from the comforts of his home to the end of the branch and the beginning of the rest of the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Avi is the childhood nickname and pen name for Edward Irving Wortis. He writes prolifically for different age groups and genres with at least 70 of those books for children and young adults.

GENRE

Fantasy/Adventure

CURRICULUM TIES

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

The differences between the characters of the snail and ant are significant, both physical and mental/emotional/personality. There are ways these differences can complement each other. How can this apply to the way we deal with people in our daily lives who are different from us?

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

9-10

CHALLENGE ISSUES

None

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

I thought this book was a fun read. The characters were amusing the way they were so serious about issues that seemingly are insignificant. The snail and the ant were practically strangers before setting out on their adventure and yet they became fast friends and discovered that the end (of the branch) could quite possibly just the beginning, and I liked that philosophic touch.