The Tale of Gail the Snail

About the Book

Poor Gail the snail has lost her way home. What an adventure she finds instead!

She meets and makes friends with a canine captain and a friendly whale on her journey to a far off island. Come join Gail as she rhymes her way to the shores of Kitchy Koomy Island. You’ll be glad you did!

Combining poetry with imaginative art, The Tale Of Gail The Snail will delight young emerging readers. Also included at the end of the book are lesson plans for teachers, as well as “The Snail Trail,” a song about snails.

About the Author

Marta Gonzalez was born and raised in New York City.

A teacher of twenty-five years, Marta contributes her talents to her parents;

Carmen, a retired Reading teacher, and Edicer, a retired Latin music bass player.

Marta graduated from Manhattanville College in New York, with a Bachelors of Music degree in Education.

After teaching various subjects, including Music, Art, Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade, she decided to pursue her Masters degree in Early Childhood Education.

In May, 2000, she completed her degree from Bank Street College in New York City, and relocated to South Hilll, Virginia. There, she continues to teach general Music to elementary school aged children.

Besides teaching, Miss Gonzalez loves composing music, singing, and creating various multicultural crafts. She also plays several musical instruments including piano, guitar, and violin. Marta believes that by combining Music and Art with poetry, young readers ability for comprehension will be enhanced. This idea prompted her to write The Tale Of Gail The Snail.

Marta has also written a book entitled Proud People, which pays tribute to Native Americans.

About The Illustrator

Vernon R. Carter II was born in North Carolina. He is the youngest of eight children, all of whom have been teachers. He is a Music and Art teacher in his private school in Clarksville, Virginia. Mr. Carter has attended both Longwood University and Appalachian State University.

He volunteers teaching Art at an elementary school where his wife also teaches first grade.

He also teaches at the church Pre-K.

Mr. Carter’s first artwork was published at age fifteen. He is a musician and percussionist in several bands.

Mr. Carter was influenced and encouraged early in the Arts by both of his parents. His mother is a Masters Juliard graduate, who performed at Carnegie Hall at age fourteen.

His father was a telented craftsman, author, and artist.

He is a product of his environment. Having so many people believe in what he does, gives him the inspiration for doing his very best.

His Art comes to life and moves to the music that he creates for it.

He thanks God for that every day.

Mr. Carter passes his talent and love on to his two beautiful sons. Because of his very best friend and wife of twenty-one years, together, they will leave a legacy that learning and talent should not be compared, but whole heartedly encouraged.

He resides in Clarksville, Virginia with his wife and two sons.