Firefly Press scoops Terrie Chilvers' shapeshifting snail tale

Firefly Press has scooped Snails of the Unexpected, a story about two shapeshifting snails who have to save the world, from Terrie Chilvers. 

Publisher Penny Thomas acquired world rights from Amber Caravéo at Skylark Literary. The book, for readers aged seven to nine, is slated for publication in spring 2025. 

The synopsis for Snails of the Unexpected reads: "Struck by lightning while in a puddle one fateful night, snails Fergus and Shelby receive the power to transform into whatever they want: custard, crisp packets, giant plastic crabs – you name it, they can impersonate it. And with a slug uprising taking place, things are about to get even stranger... Can Fergus and Shelby save humankind from being turned into lettuces by an evil slug  masquerading as the prime minister? Expect the unexpected in the best thing since sliced cucumber!"

Chilver’s debut Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog, illustrated by Tim Budgen, was also published by Firefly Press and selected as the book for the first-ever Blue Peter Book Club. She commented: "I’m thrilled to be working with Firefly Press again and can’t wait to share the story of two shapeshifting snails on a very important mission! For anyone who’s ever wondered what snails really get up to … yes, they really are turning into crisp packets and saving humankind from being turned into lettuces by an evil slug overlord."

Caravéo said: "The snails may be unexpected, but the brilliance and hilarity of Terrie Chilvers’ writing definitely isn’t! Anyone who’s read Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog will know what fantastic partners in crime (or should that be slime?) Terrie and Firefly are together. I can’t wait for everyone to go on this new adventure." 

Editor Hayley Fairhead added: "Terrie Chilvers has done it again with this hilarious tale full of heart."