Snow, Snowflakes and Snowmen    The Arctic Francis Latreille    The Arctic remains a frigid region filled with blizzards, ice sculptures, exotic wildlife, and the staunch Inuit people. The Artic is also a part of the world suddenly threatened with seemingly imminent change as a result of the pernicious effects of global warming. Finally, the Arctic is a landscape of nearly indescribable beauty as the forces of nature combine to craft a world of snow and ice that defies description. In The Arctic, author Catherine Guigon describes some of the basic elements of this distant region. In combination with striking color photographs and touching illustrations, this story is one that will appeal to readers young and old. While Guigon's text provides valuable insights into the world of the Arctic, the visual imagery that accompanies her words is stunning. This is a beautiful book that not only tells the story of a little-known land, but also those of the people and wildlife that inhabit it. 2007, Abrams Books for Younger Readers, $18.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-8109-1428-5 ISBN: 0-8109-1428-X The Antarctic Habitat Molly Aloian & Bobbie Kalman    In a new exciting series called “Introducing Habitats,” Kalman and various writing colleagues take on some complicated issues by describing plants and animals that live in various habitats, why they live there, what is special about the place, and of course, what a habitat is. “A habitat is a place in nature,” we are told in the first sentence. And later, after introducing the living and non-living things that are there, we learn “Plants and animals need air, water and food to stay alive. Plants and animals find everything they need in their habitats.” Using stunning photos, Kalman and Aloian move to the snow, ice, and water of the Antarctic habitats. The team explains what the specific habitat is, including the weather as part of the definition. Then they examine specific plants and animals that live there and discuss the special adaptations needed to live in Antarctica. The writing team also discusses plants and animals in broader terms, explaining photosynthesis and food webs. Each page has fewer than forty words of text. The text refers to the pictures used so no captions are necessary. With the clear writing and wonderful pictures, this book will serve the young informational reader well. Back matter includes a short glossary and an index. 2007, Crabtree Publishing Company, $25.20 and $6.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Amy S. Hansen (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-7787-2956-3 ISBN: 0-7787-2956-7 ISBN: 978-0-7787-2984-6 ISBN: 0-7787-2984-2 Bella Gets Her Skates On Ian Whybrow Illustrations by Rosie Reeve    Little Bella Rabbit is her family’s baby, and she worries a lot. One winter morning, Daddy invites his little rabbits to go ice skating. Bella worries that others might laugh at her and that she cannot keep up with her older brother and sister. Daddy encourages her anyway. They play in the snow before they go skating. Bella begins to worry again. She watches with her daddy and remembers how well she played in the snow and feels brave enough to skate. At the end of the day, Bella has gained more confidence in herself. This warm winter tale shows how the youngest in a family can gain confidence. It is especially nice to see a father in a supporting role. The story has enough repetition and activity to keep toddlers interested, and the story gently shows the importance to keep trying in spite of worry. The illustrations in this book appear to be pastels and nicely convey a soft and warm atmosphere. They suit the setting and interactions of this family well. This wonderful picture book would delight preschool and Kindergarten children but can be a nice way to show older children how one can gain self-confidence. 2007, Harry Abrams Books, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Elizabeth Fronk (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8109-9416-X ISBN: 978-0-8109-9416-4 Eloise and the Snowman Lisa McClatchy Illustrated by Tammie Lyon    This level 1 "Ready to Read" early reader brings us Kay Thompson's Eloise in a younger reader format. Eloise wakes one morning and discovers it is snowing. Over the protests of her nanny, who wants her to eat breakfast, Eloise heads out to make a snowman in Central Park. Upon completion, Eloise realizes, "Something is missing." She has her driver return for a conventional carrot nose, but something is still not right. She continues to add to her snowman, including a coat, hat and scarf and eventually has a house built for him. When she's finally satisfied, she heads back to the Plaza for breakfast. This is an easily accessible incarnation of Eloise that's sure to please old fans and win a few new ones. The story is appealing to any child and the illustrations remain true to Hilary Knight's originals. This book and other Eloise easy readers are an excellent addition to collections for emerging readers. 2006, Aladdin Paperbacks, $3.99. Ages 4 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Oliver (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-689-87451-2 ISBN: 0-689-87451-0 Extreme Snowmobiling Mandy R. Marx    For many of us, thinking of a snowmobile doing a flip brings to mind images of a video showing a snowmobile crash. Yet in 2003, a freestyle snowmobiler completed a flip in competition. You ask, “What is freestyle snowmobiling?” In another volume of the “To the Extreme” series, author Mandy Marx shows reluctant and early readers the basics of this sport. With exciting text and a powerful voice, the author provides color as well as information to readers. The author conveys the importance of the equipment, both for successful tricks and for safety. The opening of the book really catches the reader’s attention because it describes a snowmobiling competition with no snow. Numerous photographs illustrate the gravity-defying tricks these riders pull off. In fact, the author details three of the more popular tricks done during competition. This book includes a glossary and further research resources. Interestingly, not only does it include specific Web sites, but it also includes the “Fact Hound” site and instructions for doing research--a librarians dream. 2006, Capstone Press, $19.93. Ages 8 to 15. Reviewer: John D. Orsborn (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-7368-5465-8 ISBN: 0-7368-5465-7 Forever Friends Sally Grindley Illustrated by Penny Dann    Two previously-published stories have been combined in this early reader. The first, “What are Friends For?,” is a charming story about Jefferson Bear and his fox friend Figgy Twosocks. In their dialogue, they discuss what friends are for. They enjoy playing games, including hide-and-seek. They decide that friends share things and help each other. But one day, Figgy makes Jefferson Bear angry and the two friends part. Happily, they soon make up. The illustrations of the big lumbering bear and the perky little fox are a delight. In the second story, “What Will I Do Without You?,” Jefferson tells Figgy that he will be away for awhile because he has to hibernate. At first, Figgy is lonesome. Then, she is angry at her friend leaving her all alone. She builds a snow bear and tosses snowballs at it. Suddenly, Hoptail the squirrel admonishes Figgy. The two become friends and play together during the winter. When spring comes, the twosome becomes a threesome. Once again, Grindley has written a story with a great message that is not in the least preachy. These two stories of friendship should appeal to most young readers. Part of the “I am Reading” series. 2007, Kingfisher/Houghton, Ages 6 to 8, $3.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-7534-5976-8 I Love Snow! Hans Wilhelm    After figuring out to how move about in deep snow, a puppy experiences all kinds of fun things to do. He chases squirrels and birds, makes snow angels, slides down a hill, and helps a raccoon reach the carrot on the snowman. Short sentences with a lot of repetition make this level 1 “Scholastic Reader” a good choice for children just learning to read. The illustrations show an exuberant little puppy going through all the activities, thus giving the beginning reader good visual clues. A beginning reader can develop fluency by practicing the three short word lists on the inside back cover. It also lists a few words for the reader to go back and find in the story. This is an upbeat and fun winter story. 2007, Cartwheel Books/ Scholastic, Ages 5 to 7, $3.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-439-79594-4 ISBN: 0-439-79594-X Igloo Dana Meachen Rau    This clear, easy-to-follow book explains the construction and purpose of the igloo. A list of five descriptive terms keyed to a color diagram begins the book. After that, facing pages carry brief text on the left side and full-page color illustrations on the right. Most of the illustrations are photographs, but two drawings and a diagram are also included. The text identifies the Inuit as the makers of igloos and follows the process of construction, from cutting the blocks of snow through furnishing the inside of the structure and identifying an oil lamp as the source of light and heat. The text is followed by four challenge words and their definitions. An index is also included. The book is part of the "Bookworms" series called "The Inside Story." 2007, Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Judy DaPolito (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-7614-2273-0 ISBN: 0-7614-2273-0 Just a Snowy Day Mercer Mayer    This book’s detailing of “the new adventures of Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter” contains simple pull tabs, easy-to-open flaps, a turn-the-wheel, and several touch-and-feels. Because the book is designed for younger children all the actions are sturdy and easy to handle, with the appealing feature for younger children of guidance for what needs to be done. “My coat has a furry lining to keep me warm. Open my coat and feel how cozy it is.” Or “I go sliding on my sled. Please give me a pull.” The first instructions suggest pulling a tab to open one side of a coat, revealing a warm fuzzy lining; the second directs the reader to pull a string, which will give Little Critter and a mouse a ride through the snow on a sled. The story describes an outdoor play day in the snow and is written in the first person, adding to the immediacy for its young readers. 2006, HarperFestival/HarperCollins, $8.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Eleanor Heldrich (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-06-083880-9 ISBN: 978-0-06-0838805 Life on the Ice Susan E. Goodman Photographs by Michael J. Doolittle    This title provides insight into the daily work of scientists exploring Antarctica. The author does a fine job of drawing readers in by using the first several pages to share intriguing facts about Antarctica and the difficulties encountered while exploring the region. Readers learn, for example, that the Antarctic region is a desert where very little snow falls and that many navigational instruments on airplanes do not work there, thus resulting in the need for Air Force pilots who fly in the area to map their route using the stars. When they land, the pilots must keep the engines running out of fear they may not start again. The pilots must also pull up the skis that helped them land on the snow to keep the melted snow that resulted from the touch down from refreezing and trapping the airplane. The author then provides several examples of scientific experiments being conducted in the region, from measurements of air pollution, to historical study, to the search for meteorites, to the quest to discover the age of the universe. A discussion of necessary clothing, gear, and shelters reveals the complexity of such work. Full-color photographs of the area and the scientists who work there enhance the text; the images educate, illustrate, and entertain, even in a world that might seem bleak on the surface. Sure to motivate young explorers. 2006, Millbrook Press, $22.60. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Wendy Glenn, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-7613-2775-2 ISBN: 0-7613-2775-4 Little Red Riding Hood Jerry Pinkney    Pinkney has chosen to retell the familiar tale in a lively fashion, filled with rich description and detail. The goodies for the sick grandmother include chicken soup and raisin muffins. Our heroine’s footsteps go “crunch, crunch” in the snow. The sly wolf sends her off the path to collect kindling for a fire to “warm your granny’s heart.” After exchanging the traditional dialog with the disguised wolf, the young girl is swallowed whole. Hearing the wolf’s snores and noticing the tracks in the snow, the woodcutter comes to the rescue. After they all enjoy the soup and muffins, the “little miss” goes straight home. Pinkney’s watercolors with pencil, gouache and ink, fill the large, double-page scenes, including the book’s endpapers, with details that demand attention. He creates stage sets in which the appealing characters play out the melodrama. Although Red Riding Hood’s cloak catches the eye, it is the wolf’s actions and sly, charming personality that steal the show. His slaying is shown discreetly as a shadow on the wall. This version deserves a place on the shelf alongside other traditional stories. 2007, Little Brown and Company, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-316-01355-0 ISBN: 0-316-01355-2 Oliver's Red Toboggan Paul Kortepeter Illustrated by Susan Wheeler    Oliver has a new red toboggan. On the first snowy day when school is cancelled, Oliver and his sister Emily take it to Windy Hill. Oliver goes first because it is his toboggan, and then when Emily wants a turn he goes again because he has only gone once. Then he goes a third time, and when Emily calls him a beast, he says he will not share and goes again. So Emily builds herself a “grandnificnet” snow castle, but she will not let Oliver play in it. At lunch their mother reminds them to share, but the siblings refuse. When Emily returns to her castle, she finds the Squirrel family there. The door to their home broke in the snow storm and they need a place to stay until they can fix the door. Emily allows them to stay. When Oliver sees what she did, he and Emily come up with a plan to help the Squirrel family by sharing. In this enchanting addition to the “Holly Pond Hill” picture books, children will not only love the textured illustrations that add a realistic dimension to the book but also learn that sharing is, indeed, fun. 2006, Penguin, $15.99. Ages 6 mo. to 6. Reviewer: Kathleen Foucart (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-525-47752-7 ISBN: 978-0-525-47752-5 One Winter's Day M. Christina Butler Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton    After a gust blows apart Little Hedgehog's nest, he must find shelter from the windstorm. He manages to hold on to his fuzzy scarf, his fuzzy mittens, and his fuzzy hat with the fuzzy pom-pom on the end. He puts them on and sets off to stay with his friend Badger. He fights his way across the meadow where he sees a little family of field mice huddling together in the grass. Little Hedgehog gives them his hat. Mother Mouse and her babies snuggle in the fuzzy hat as Little Hedgehog trudges off along the river where he finds Otter. Little Hedgehog gives Otter his mittens to cover his freezing paws and then trudges through the woods on his way to Badger's house. Little Hedgehog comes upon Mother Deer and her fawn, shivering from the cold as the snow falls and the wind howls. Little Hedgehog gives the fawn his scarf and when he finally arrives at Badger's house, he rolls through the door like a snowball. After the storm passes, Little Hedgehog wonders how he will rebuild his nest. He is pleasantly surprised to find all those he had helped are now helping him. This is an appealingly illustrated touch-and-feel book and young ones will enjoy running their fingers over Little Hedgehog's fuzzy hat, mittens, and scarf. 2006, Good Books, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-5614-8532-2 ISBN: 1-5614-8532-2 A Perfect Snowman Preston McDaniels Illustrated by Preston McDaniels    A boy takes a carrot, lumps of coal, “his father’s finest hat, favorite scarf, and best umbrella” to make a snowman. With sticks from an oak tree for arms, the boy makes the perfect snowman for all the children to admire. But when the boy is called to supper, the snowman is left alone. He is aggravated when a rabbit asks for the carrot to feed her young, but “felt his icy heart begin to thaw.” Later a cat is given the hat and scarf. Then a raggedy girl appears and receives the coal and the umbrella. When warm weather returns the snowman becomes a puddle which is taken “drop by drop” into the heavens where he is greeted by the raggedy little girl with a halo. She says that she has been waiting for him “for a very long time.” Children will love this wonderful end to the snowman. The imaginative sepia illustrations place the story in an earlier time. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature).    On a snowy winter day, a young boy eagerly rushes outside, equipped with "the finest carrot," lumps of coal, and his father's "finest hat, favorite scarf, and best umbrella," to build a perfect snowman. After a day of being admired, the snowman waits in vain for the boy to return. Meanwhile, a hungry rabbit asks him to share his carrot nose with her and her children. The snowman, still feeling nearly perfect, gives up his nose. Then a cold old cat requests his hat and scarf. He takes pity on the cat while still hoping for the boy to return and "make things better." When a shivering young girl begs a piece of coal for warmth, the snowman forgets about himself and gives her his coal and his umbrella. The boy never returns, the snow all melts, and magically the droplets rise to the sky, where the little girl waits for the snowman, happy "forever." There is a gentle, sentimental feeling to these monochromatic, naturalistic, detailed scenes generated with blended graphite. Each sepia-toned double-page spread with thin black borders is surrounded by a delicate trailing of twigs soon covered by snow. A portrait of the finally generous snowman, friendly animals, and a metallic blue-lettered title are on the jacket over a decorated blue cloth-bound cover. Reminders of “The Little Match Girl” and Charles Dickens are unavoidable. 2007, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-4169-1026-8 ISBN: 1-4169-1026-3 Sally's Snow Adventure Stephen Huneck    Given the appeal dogs have for many young children, it is likely that the fourth adventure of Sally, a black Labrador, will be as successful as Hunek’s earlier stories. One element of the success is certainly Hunek’s wonderful woodcut illustrations, which have an arte moderne feel and palette. The text is simple with one or two sentences per page that read very much like Labrador stream of consciousness. In this case, Sally is recounting her adventures at a “dog-friendly” lodge where she meets a host of dogs, including two rescue dogs who eventually rescue Sally herself when she wanders off the trail, ignoring basic safety rules. Young children reading about Sally’s carelessness are likely to process the safety message for themselves, if they should ever spend time at a ski lodge. But even if they don’t, there is plenty to look at in this picture book to keep dog-loving children coming back to read it again and again. 2007, Abrams Books for Young Readers/Harry N. Abrams, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8109-7061-9 ISBN: 978-0-8109-7061-8 Snow Joan Clark Pictures by Kady MacDonald Denton    This would be a great read while you are all snuggled up watching it snow this winter. Sammy imagines it snows for an entire month. He sees amazing sights as he is finally able to see outside and then imagines what lies beneath all of the snow. Bears, seals, wooly mammoths, a ship locked in the ice, Eskimos, Northern lights, and Santa Claus, too. Sammy keeps on imagining until all that remains of the snow is a small block that he is standing on. The watercolor illustrations are a wonderful addition to the story. Both author and illustrator are Canadian citizens with many awards for their previous works. They have collaborated on another fine book that will bring a smile to reader’s faces. 2006, Groundwood Books, $16.95. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Barbara Youngblood (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-88899-712-8 ISBN: 0-88899-712-4 Snow Nicole Helget    Part of the series “My First Look at Weather,” the five sections of this title explain the formation of snow, its dangers, etc. The first section, “How Snow Forms,” shares that wind catches the particles of dust and plants, and “water vapor clings to these tiny bits. If it is very cold, the bits and water vapor freeze to make ice crystals.” Ice crystals connect to form snow crystals, ultimately forming snowflakes. “How Snowflakes Form” clarifies that snow crystals connect to snow crystals, creating snowflakes. The dangers of blizzards and the effects of avalanches are discussed in the “Snowstorms” section. The fourth section, “Fun in the Snow,” suggests activities for snow days and appropriate attire as well: wear warm clothes; go sledding or skiing; walk in snowshoes; ride snowmobiles; make snowmen, snow forts, or snow angels. The final “Hands-On” section offers suggestions for a fun craft to create paper snowflakes. Additional information provided includes: an index, a vocabulary section, further reading suggestions, and a list of helpful web sites. The colorful photographs and the simplified wording and explanations make this book a great resource for young children. 2006, Creative Education, $22.80. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Jamaica Johnson Conner (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-58341-451-4 ISBN: 1-58341-451-7 The Snow Baby: The Arctic Childhood of Robert E. Peary's Daring Daughter Katherine Kirkpatrick Illustrated by B&W Photographs    This book is an interesting look at the life of Admiral Peary's daughter, Marie, who was born in Greenland in 1893 during one of her father's expeditions. She went back and forth from home many times, often staying north for long periods. The rides aboard ship were always great adventures to Marie, although sometimes they were truly dangerous. While she had typical girl toys, she normally spent a lot of time as a tomboy with her close Inuit friends. The story follows the family's lives until Marie is 16-years-old, and her father discovers the North Pole. Kirkpatrick writes well and provides a lot of details so that readers can get a real feel for Marie's experiences. There is an afterword and a list of primary and secondary sources. The book is filled with clear, well laid out, b&w photographs that add a lot of historical flavor to the text. This is a great book of true experience for the middle school crowd, and would make a good addition to the geography or biography collections of most school libraries. Index. Recommended. 2007, Holiday House, 48pp., $16.95 lb. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Melinda Miller-Widrick (Library Media Connection, October 2007). ISBN: 978-0-8234-1973-9 ISBN: 0-8234-1973-8 The School Children’s Blizzard Donald B. Lemke    On the morning of January 12, 1888 in the Dakota Territory the Knieriem family shuffled their children off to school in the mild winter weather. By 11:42 that morning the weather quickly changed blanketing the American Prairie with blizzard conditions. Because weather forecasters were unable to warn the pioneer families early enough children, adults, and livestock were caught unaware. Blinding white-out conditions engulfed the region and by nightfall some of the coldest air ever recorded plunged the plains into double-digit below zero temperatures. Many of those stranded by the storm were schoolchildren and their teachers. This is why the blizzard has come to be called the School Children’s Blizzard. Many children survived due to the diligence of their teachers, but as the snows melted nearly 500 storm victims were discovered, many of them children. This true-life adventure story is made accessible to children through Donald Lemke’s outstanding graphic novel. Additional materials introduce readers to “cats,” “twists,” “St. Elmo’s Fire,” and a song remembering one of the teacher-heroines of the storm of 1888. 2007, Dutton Children’s Books, Ages 8 to 10, $18.95. Reviewer: Louanne Jacobs (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-4296-0157-3 ISBN: 1-4296-0157-4 Snowboarding Jed Morgan    Young snowboarding enthusiasts will find much to like in this “No Limits!” series book. A brief overview of the history of the sport is followed by double-page spreads on gear, safety, techniques, the pros, and jargon. The book is packed with photos and sidebars; these, coupled with a variety of font types and sizes, add an energy to the book—although some younger readers may find it hard to know where to look first as they turn a page. A glossary, index, and suggested websites (accompanied by a suggestion for adult supervision) round out this brief but informative book. Originally published by Franklin Watts in 2005, this should more than satisfy youngsters looking to read about this popular sport. 2007, Smart Apple Media, Ages 8 to 12, $28.50 Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-58340-960-2 A Snowflake Fell: Poems About Winter Compiled by Laura Whipple Illustrated by Hatsuki Hori    Laura Whipple has compiled 24 poems into an anthology dedicated to the sights and sounds of winter. In her introduction, she shares with the reader why several of the poems were included, explaining that some focus on the experience of winter in nature, while others express a more human reaction to the season. The poems chosen capture the essence of winter, from the cold and stillness of the outdoors to the warmth that comes from being before a roaring fire, and reflect the effect the season has on our senses. Hatsuki Hori uses pastels and watercolors, creating soft, flowing images that perfectly match with the topic at hand. A number of the poems by well-known authors such as Bobbi Katz, Jane Yolen, Nikki Giovanni, and Jack Prelutsky may appear elsewhere, but this is a lovely collection that would provide material for discussion and support a seasonal study. While young readers may not be interested in Whipple's introduction, it does provide adults with ideas to use when discussing the poetry with children. Recommended. 2003, Barefoot Books, 40pp., $16.99 hc. Ages 6 to 11. Reviewer: Susan Raben (Library Media Connection, January 2004). ISBN: 1-84148-033-9 ISBN: 978-1-84148-033-6 The Snow Globe Family Jane O'Connor Illustrated by S.D. Schindler    On the mantel in the parlor of a family of a mama, a papa, a boy, a girl, and Baby, there is a snow globe. And inside that globe, in a small house, lives a family very much like them. They enjoy the snow all around them. But nobody except the Baby ever notices them. The little papa tells his family of the days when their globe was shaken and the snow fell, but not any more. The little family would like a snowstorm, a blizzard, and so would the children in the big family. One night, the big family gets its wish. While they are out enjoying the snow, having left the baby safely inside, Baby decides she wants some snow too. She climbs up to reach the snow globe and shakes it. “Wheeeeee!” What fun both families have in the snow! And what a surprise ending there is to this charming and imaginative tale. With colored inks and gouache, Schindler creates two Victorian families, using crisp lines and subtle hues. Although a close look reveals that the little family is composed of wooden dolls, this doesn’t keep them from doing everything the big family does. Part of the fun is comparing the action in the parallel snowy environments. Glitter on the paper jacket embellishes the title, snowy trees, and stars. 2006, G.P.Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Young Readers Group, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-399-24242-2 ISBN: 978-0-399-24242-7 Snow Is My Favorite and My Best Lauren Child: text based on script written by Samantha Hill Illustrations from the TV animation produced by Tiger Aspect    Lola is very excited at the prospect of snow. As she says, snow is her favorite and her best. She and her brother Charlie go to the park the day after the snowfall and play with their friends Marv, Lott, and Sizzles the dog. But the very next day the snow is gone. Lola is very sad and asks her brother why there cannot be snow every day. Charlie tries to explain that, like birthdays, if there was snow every day it would not be as special. Then he and Lola imagine going to the Arctic and the Antarctic so he can show Lola what having snow every day would be like. Charlie is the kind of big brother every little sister would want to have, never losing his temper with Lola and showing how much he cares about her through his patient explanations and examples. This book is based on an episode of the popular Disney Channel show Charlie and Lola and can be enjoyed by fans of the show as well as those who have never seen it. 2006, Dial/Penguin, $16.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Kathleen Foucart (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8037-3174-4 ISBN: 978-0-8037-3174-5 Snowplows Terri DeGezelle    DeGezelle’s pages are stuffed with full-page photographs of snowplows--both parked and in action. Part of the “Mighty Machines” series, the simple text of this book explains the basics about these giant, powerful machines. It opens by explaining what snowplows do and where they work, then describes the important parts and functions, as well as how snowplows often work together and clear the way for spreader trucks. It ultimately emphasizes how these massive machines make the winter streets safe for travelers. The book introduces early readers to subject-specific vocabulary words that are defined in the glossary. Also included are “Read More,” a list of books related to the topic, and an explanation of how readers can find more information on the Internet. With short sentences and large bold type, Snowplows is a natural choice for beginning and reluctant readers. It will surely engage those interested in learning about the world. 2006, Capstone Press, $19.93. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Sulock (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-7368-5357-6 ISBN: 0-7368-5357-X The Tallest Snowman Marcie Aboff Illustrated by Sara Gray    Sue and Dan are building a snowman. They want to make it taller than the tree by their house. The big kids tease them and taunt saying that they will not accomplish the task. Will the “little kids” succeed? This Green Level math book in the “Read-It Readers” series embeds a lesson about measurement in the text. The illustrations are a bit misleading—the tree next to the house looks very tall, and when the snow bends its branches it makes one wonder why the tree that tall does not break under the weight. Also, the math concepts are at a higher level than the interest level of the story. There is a measurement activity (answers supplied), glossary, three additional books to reference, and FactHound’s assistance to find information on the Internet. This is a mixed bag that teachers will need to evaluate to determine if the book is really useful for the target age group. 2008, Picture Window, Ages 5 to 8, $19.93. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-4048-3666-2 ISBN: 1-4048-3666-7 The Three Snow Bears Jan Brett    Brett travels to the Arctic to bring us her variation of the Goldilocks story. Aloo-ki is the young heroine here. Her dog team floats away from her at the same time that the bear family decides to take a walk while their hot soup cools. Aloo-ki arrives at their igloo, and the traditional tale unfolds. First, she tries the three bowls of soup and finishes the smallest. Then, she tries on three pairs of boots, finding the littlest to be “just right.” Finally, feeling sleepy, she ends by taking a nap on the smallest place on the sleeping bench. Meanwhile, along the sides of the pages, the bears have been having visual adventures of their own. Back into the main story they now come, pushing Aloo-ki’s dog sled back to their igloo for the traditional but happier ending. Brett’s vigorously drawn illustrations tell the visual tale with imagination and humor. Endpapers depicting the activities of many anthropomorphic animals in attractive winter gear prepare us for the coming adventure. Brett’s signature clever use of frames provides us with dual action plus vignettes of some other creatures at play. The naturalism of these watercolor and gouache pictures with their airbrushed backgrounds gives us considerable information about life at the Arctic Circle. Despite their size, the bear family doesn’t frighten Aloo-ki—or us. 2007, G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 978-0-399-24792-7 Who Likes the Snow? Etta Kaner Illustrated by Marie Lafrance    The small format of these books is significantly augmented by the ability to unfold a large flap on the right-hand page. In the opening scene with the flap closed, there is a question posed. Who likes the snow? A young girl is on her way up a snow covered hill pulling a sled. When the flap is opened other kids all exclaim that they like the snow too as they are pictured on various sleds and saucers sliding down the snowy hill. Succeeding pages explain why it snows, why snow is white, what snowflakes look like, how snow dampens sound, and the various textures of snow--why you can sometimes make a snowball and sometimes not. The pictures, diagrams, and text make this an excellent introduction to science on a topic that kids will readily relate to and a very handy reference for parents who need to answer those “why” questions in terms that younger children can understand. 2007, Kids Can Press, $14.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).    In this book, each pages presents a different reason why someone likes the snow. Then, in a lift-the-flap style, readers can learn why the snow does certain things. For example, "I like the snow because I can make snow angels. I wonder why I don't sink deep into the snow when I lie on it." Then the reader "lifts-the-flap" to learn why a body sinks when standing on snow, but why when making snow angels your body would only sink a little. The text is simple enough to share as a read aloud with younger readers. However, the lift-the-flap style will thrill them--but they will get lost with the long explanations found underneath. Older readers might enjoy thinking about the questions and learning the answers, but might think the story too simple. Classes undertaking discovery units would find this method of questioning and discovery helpful in learning how to ask questions (and in actually learning about snow). The smaller size will also be helpful for elementary students who want to hold the book and learn for themselves. Part of the "Exploring the Elements" series. 2006, Kids Can Press, $14.95. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-55337-842-6 ISBN: 1-55337-842-3 Winter Is the Warmest Season Lauren Stringer    Many shiver at the thought of winter, but Stringer suggests we think differently. Puffy warm jackets, gloves and boots, hot baths, radiators awakening to their dragon selves, fires in fireplaces, hot chocolate, grilled cheeses, oven-hot breads, animals asleep under thick blankets of snow, warm-footed pajamas, longer lasting books, and warmer hugs all are part of the argument that winter is warmest. Her descriptive words and phrases focus on activities and settings familiar to children; at times the text is lyrical. Her luscious, rounded illustrations are lively and evocative. Varying perspectives add interest, while the pages are well balanced to keep eyes moving across the pages. From snow dots on the endpapers, which are often repeated on pages in the book, to the rounded snow globe effect on corners, she invites the reader into the magical world of winter. Light a fire, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy! 2006, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-15-204967-3 ISBN: 978-0-15-204967-6 Snow Features from Other Years: Winter 2006-2007 Winter 2003-2004 To stay up to date on new books by these authors, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Updated 12/27/07