Slow Samson

Review

Sloths may look like they haven’t a care in the world, but as Bethany Christou reveals in this, her debut picture book, that really isn’t the case, at least not when it comes to Samson.

Unfortunately for Samson, his concern is a rather existential one, given that it relates to his speed – or lack of it.

Combined with his selfless willingness to stop and help passers-by deal with their problems and squabbles, his pedestrian-at-best progress repeatedly results in him missing out on parties with his many friends.

So fed up does he get with this state of affairs that he temporarily turns his back on altruism in an ill-fated bid to be more punctual – before his friends rally round and devise a plan to get him to the cake on time.

This is a gentle tale with a positive message about the importance of friendship and lending others a hand, and about accepting ourselves – our strengths and weaknesses – and others.

It’s never too early to introduce the idea that there’s more to life than being the fastest…