Sonali Fry at Crown has bought When We Were Snails by Nan Cao, illustrator of the 2024 South Asian Book Award winner The Carpet, in her author-illustrator debut. This picture book features a woman reflecting on her childhood and her relationship with her mother; no matter where they went or how far apart they were, her mom was her favorite person. Publication is scheduled for spring 2026; Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink Literary Studio sold world rights.
