Hero

Author's Note: To Parents and Teachers


Some might call it murder, but could anyone honestly describe it as cold blooded? On a good day, it would take the protagonist of Hero nearly three and a half minutes to cross from one side of this page to the other. I am hoping therefore, you’ll allow me just a little time to introduce the star of this whimsical, fully illustrated adventure.


Hero is the tale of a brightly colored slug named Nelson... an excruciatingly slow, though not entirely dim-witted mollusc, whose dearest fantasy is that someday he might develop a spine. Despite his inability to verbalize his thoughts or otherwise communicate his feelings, Nelson’s world is rich in imagery and filled with the colors, tastes and aromas of the garden in which he lives. In following Nelson on his journey, the reader gets not only a sense of a slug’s worldview, but is presented with a wealth of fascinating facts concerning these surprisingly complex, notably icky creatures. 


Because these facts include an accounting of a slug’s sex life, some parents may find the story unsuitable for young children. That slugs mate, should surprise no one. However, their mating ritual is so extraordinary so far-fetched, I couldn’t in good conscience, skirt its exploration without sacrificing the educational nature of the material presented. In the end, I expect readers to consider themselves experts on the subject of slugs, moles, and fireflies. And, quite possibly to have learned a thing or two about human nature.


Hero is based on a story written by my son Evan as part of a 7th grade English assignment. Its retelling, the illustrations and its presentation are my own. All proceeds will be directed to the Send Evan To College Fund.