Gobley for Mayor

Laurence Steven is Chairman of the English Department at Laurentian
University and author of Dissociation and Wholeness in Patrick White’s
Fiction.

This picture book is about a snail who is elected mayor of Pond Village.
Uncertain about his duties as town mayor, Gobley takes it upon himself
to make new laws, and in doing so goes a bit overboard. While trying to
impose his changes on the other animals, Gobley learns that the
modifications he desires would contribute to the certain downfall of the
village.

Gamble and McConnell’s story is simple, yet full of valuable lessons.
The clarity of their vocabulary and their use of animal characters make
the book appealing to children ages four through seven. While the
intended audience may not be able to grasp the moral by themselves, it
is clearly stated for parental readers to emphasize: “It was obvious
Mother Nature didn’t need any help from him or anyone else. Things
were running very smoothly just as they were.”

Pott’s illustrations will capture the child’s attention on the
first page and hold it to the last. Their delicate pastels might at
times seem a bit too ethereal for the story of a snail attempting to
order its neighbors about, but that same ethereal quality complements
the larger setting that transcends Gobley’s practical grasp.
Consequently, although the illustrations correspond to the content of
the story, they also generate mood.

A pleasing piece of children’s literature.