Snow, Snowflakes and Snowmen    All You Need for a Snowman Alice Schertle Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee    For children lucky enough to enjoy a good snowfall in the winter, this book will be a fun companion while they shape and create their very own snowmen. Children in the Southern Hemisphere will read this book with their imaginations in full gear as they see just how much goes into such a project. The watercolor artwork appropriately depicts how abstract snow can be, with colors fading into each other like a handful of snowflakes melting in a child's palm. The dream-like pictures show children working together to build a giant snowman. Even the text placement has a playful side, as it leads the reader's eyes from line to line across one page and into the next. The words have a lyrical quality, rhyming only briefly before continuing to flow into a graceful rhythm. So what do you need to build a snowman? The author answers this question throughout, giving little bits at a time, then leading the reader on with the word "except," which tempts you to turn the page and find out what it takes. 2002, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Cherie Ilg Haas (Children's Literature) • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States • Choices, 2003; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States • Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 21, 2002; Cahners; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended 2003 United States ISBN: 0-15-200789-X Blizzard Carole Gerber Illustrated by Marty Husted    There's no doubt that the best place to be during a blizzard is at home snuggled in front of the fireplace. This book depicts what goes on outdoors while we sit warm and cozy inside. The wonderful illustrations alternate back and forth between the icy, cold, wind-swirling outside and the soft, soothing, warm inside. This delightful book captures the awe and wonder of snowstorms, showing the respect we should have for nature and the pleasure we can take in it. 2001, Whispering Coyote, $15.95. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Sheree Van Vreede (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-58089-064-4 Christmas Magic Michael Garland    Emily experiences the magic on Christmas Eve, as strange and wonderful things happen. During the day, she has made a special snow-woman, while a shy new neighbor has built a snowman of his own. Unable to sleep, she finds her cat and dog downstairs singing "Jingle Bells," mice baking pies in the kitchen, Christmas decorations dancing about; but the biggest miracle is that her snow-woman and the snowman invite her to dance with them. In the morning, the proof of her night's adventure is the two snow-people smiling together as her amazed neighbor comes to greet her. The sentimental thrust of this modern fairy tale is reinforced by scenes filled with all the details of the season, from the snow and the tree to the stockings on the mantel. The characters seem almost three-dimensional while placed in two-dimensional scenes. Apple-cheeked Emily is appealing within her almost virtually real world. 2001, Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-525-46797-1 Ethan at Home Johanna Hurwitz Illustrated by Brian Floca    As one in the "Brand New Readers" series, this book has a familiar rectangular shape and format. There are four very short stories, which are listed in the table of contents. The first page of the story is entitled introduction and it summarizes the story. Then the actual text and pictures follow. In many cases there is a bit of humor, as in the first of these stories. Ethan is watching the snow fall, so he gets all bundled up. He ends up layered with so many clothes that he can't really move. In "Ethan Cleans," he works hard to help his mother get the house all tidy, but when Ethan finishes, he is a mess. The illustrations are simple but appropriate to the story, and the text is set in large type to make it easy for kids who are just learning to read. 2003, Candlewick Press, $12.99. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-7636-1093-3 Grandmother Winter Phyllis Root Pictures by Beth Krommes    All during the spring, summer and fall Grandmother Winter gathers feathers from her white geese. As she prepares for winter, she stuffs her winter quilt with the feathers she has collected. When she finishes, she shakes out her quilt and the snow begins to fall. It's a signal to the animals, the bears, turtles, bats, worms, birds and other creatures that they must prepare for the coming cold weather. The strength of the story comes from the fact that the author has based it on her childhood memory of a German fairy tale. The scratchboard illustrations are hand tinted with watercolors and create bold pictures, which capture the beauty of the story. 1999, Houghton Mifflin Co, $15.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature) Best Books: • The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0-395-88399-7 It's Snowing Olivier Dunrea    January brings a new year, snow flurries and lots of long winter evenings to cozy up with a good book. Olivier Dunrea captures those first magical flakes in It's Snowing! On a "dark dark, cold cold night," Mama bundles Baby up and takes him outside to see the world made white. Lyrical prose tells of their adventures creating a snow troll, sledding and riding an ice bear--and brings them full circle to snuggle again sleepily by the fire. Especially noteworthy are Dunrea's gouache illustrations showing Mama and Baby as monumental, earth-toned figures with the snow constantly swirling around them. The book's cadence and compelling illustrations are sure to appeal to little ones. And they will enjoy finding the house mouse that appears in many pictures. 2002, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 1 to 4. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature) It's Snowing Olivier Dunrea    On a "dark dark, cold cold night" Mama is rocking the sleeping baby. In the sparest language, Dunrea describes how Mama then takes Baby out into the falling snow, to sing, to smell, to taste, and touch the snow; to build a snow troll, to sled and play, then to return to the hearth. The action is minimal, but the hushed mood is set by the illustrations which begin the visual tale on the title pages. Double-page scenes painted with subtle artistry create emotional sequences which express the vast silence of the snowy landscape accompanied by the intimate joy of mother and child. Both the interior scenes of solid, basic, almost primitive comfort and the boulder-strewn, black sky covered exteriors make an effective blend with the bulky, fur-ensconced figures. This visual tone poem with cloth-bound spine can span all ages. 2002, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 3 up. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature) Best Books: • Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States • Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 21, 2002; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-374-39992-1 Jingle Bells, Homework Smells Diane de Groat    This entertaining story discusses a problem all school children are familiar with--forgetting to complete homework! Gilbert's teacher, Mrs. Byrd, assigns homework one Friday in December. Because of holiday invitations and activities, Gilbert forgets to do his assignment. He is disappointed with his grade and decides to rectify the problem. Students will like the title of this book and will also enjoy the illustrations since animals are used to portray the characters. Grades PreK-3. 2000, HarperCollins, Unpaged, $14.89. Ages 3 to 9. Reviewer: Dawn Cobb (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 13, No. 3)) Best Books: Children's Choices, 2001; International Reading Association; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Delaware Diamonds, 2003; Nominee; Delaware ISBN: 0-688-17543-0 Little Fern's First Winter Jane Simmons    A winsome tale of the changing seasons, this story puts into words the uncertainty that very young children may feel when confronted with something new and strange. Fern and her brother, Bracken, are rabbits playing hide-and-go-seek when the world changes around them. They've never seen winter, and Bracken's fearful reaction is to stay hidden. Fern finds her brother, reminds him what their mother said about snow--"It's lovely when it settles"--and the two romp in the fluffy whiteness. Simmons paints from a child's-eye view--low to the ground, and dwarfed by grasses, trees and even individual snowflakes. This gives a sense of wonder to her simple, playful illustrations. 2001, Little Brown/Orchard Books, $13.95. Ages 1 to 4. Reviewer: Donna Freedman (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-316-79667-0 Snow Ravens Bruno Hächler Illustrated by Birte Müller Translated by Marianne Martens    In the dead of winter, surrounded by snow, three ravens huddle together for warmth. Two of the ravens complain, but the third remains quiet. As children throw snowballs, make snow angels and laugh, the first two ravens jeer. The third raven, however, watches carefully. Quietly, he flies down to the snow and tries to make a snow angel himself. He fumbles and gets stuck, but finally manages his own snow angel. The next day, the children are amazed by the small image in the snow and decide a real angel must have come down during the night. The little raven laughs out for joy and revels in his wintertime fun. This endearing wintertime story captures the fun of a snowy day while highlighting the rewards of looking for the positive. While the complaining ravens can only see the cold and snow, the third raven sees an opportunity to try something new. This short story can be an effective introduction for younger children on the benefits of thinking for oneself rather than following peers. The clumsy, squat ravens and the subtle coloring of the snow make the illustrations just as joyful as the raven's romp in the snow and will delight readers. 2002, North-South Books, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-7358-1689-1 Snow Marion Dane Bauer Illustrated by John Wallace    Illustrated by John Wallace, Snow is a "Level One, Ready-to-Read" book. The stage is set; winter is cold, trees have lost their leaves and the grass is brown. The sky is full of gray clouds. Ice crystals cling together with dust. When they are heavy enough, they fall. Snowflakes are small when it is very cold. Warmer temperatures mean larger, softer snowflakes. Sometimes you can catch a snowflake on your tongue. It's fun to spend time out in the snow and skate or just take a walk. Each snowflake has six sides and snowflakes come in a billion different shapes. In the spring the snow melts into the rivers and lakes. The illustrations are very sweet--light and airy watercolor paintings that work especially well with the subject matter. The text is large and the sentence structure simple for early readers. Numerous facts about snow are included at the end of the book. Despite what we have heard for years, researcher Nancy Knight did find two snowflakes that were exactly alike. 2003, Aladdin, $3.99. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-689-85437-4 Snow Manya Stojic    Anticipation of the first snow of winter has the animals of the forest buzzing. Owl announces that snow is on the way, and Moose agrees that he can smell snow in the breeze. The geese worry that their lake will soon freeze. The bear begins to yawn and prepare for his long winter sleep. The mother hare snuggles her babies close and explains that their soft coats will soon turn white to match the snow. As the snow starts to fall, everyone watches the flakes gently covering the forest in a soft blanket. Fox notices how red his fur is against the snow, while the hares admire their white coats. Moose enjoys the crisp smell in the air. Bear murmurs in his sleep as the geese fly south for the winter. Owl reminds his friends that the snow will stay for the winter, but will melt away in the spring. Winter is a happy time for animals like the fox, moose, and rabbits because they enjoy the snow. This simple seasonal story is complemented by paintings that almost have a texture to them. Leaves seem to swirl, the snow creates a soft blanket, and the fur of the bear puffs out around him like a halo. 2002, Alfred A Knopf, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Carol Lynch (Children's Literature) Snow Manya Stojic    Apparently, Stojic is working her way through the forms water present. First, Rain and now Snow! The first thing that strikes you as you approach this book is her vivid cover artwork. You are immediately pulled to the book. Three white, snowy bunnies are looking down at you and I had this overwhelming sense that I was in the snow myself making snow angels. Later, that same picture looks like the bunnies are making the snow angels. Once inside the book, the animals in the forest begin to pass the word that snow is coming. In big, bold print the animals reveal how they handle the snow. The hares change color, the bear sleeps, the geese fly off to warmer climes. And when the snow comes, it is soft, gentle, and beautiful! Nevertheless, it is the wise old owl who reassures the reader that as nice as snow is, spring will soon come. Stojic's artwork is so kinetic that the scenes seem to come alive. Overall, a marvelous book for the season soon to be upon us. 2002, Knopf, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature) Best Books: • Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States • The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, December 2002; Cahners; United States • School Library Journal: Best Books, 2002; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-375-82348-4 Snow Alice K. Flanagan    Snow falls from the clouds when it is cold outside. Snow is a drop of water that turns into ice in the air. When it snows and there are high winds, it is a storm. Snow acts like a blanket to keep plants and animals safe and warm during the winter. When snow melts, it drains into rivers and streams. It is fun to play in the snow. This Level One reader is part of the "Wonder Books" series designed to help young children learn to read while reading to learn. This is part of a new emphasis on nonfiction material in all levels of reading development. The text is very large and each page contains no more than two sentences, most pages just have one. A photograph illustrates each page of text. The photographs range from very straightforward to more offbeat. Children are included in many of the photographs; however, the image quality is not consistent. Many of the photographs are adequate, but not exceptional. A glossary of new words is included. 2003, The Child's World, $14.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-56766-453-9 Snow and People Nikki Bundey    What happens when it snows? What special adaptations do the plants, animals and people have to make in regions where it snows? The first snowfall of the winter could be the perfect time to curl up with your elementary school reader and learn about the magical stuff that transforms an ordinary yard into a winter wonderland. Learn how to dress for the snow and what sorts of adaptations humans have developed to survive in the cold. Read how snow affects cities and countryside differently and how we get around when slippery snow covers the ground. The book presents a different topic on each two-page spread, keeping the language simple. The supporting photographs and illustrations are its best feature. More difficult words are bolded and defined in a glossary at the end and there is an index. "See for Yourself" sections are included that encourage children to do experiments on the various topics presented. A good resource for families to discover science together and enjoy the next snowfall. This book is part of the "Science of Weather" series. 2001, Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group, $21.27. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Elizabeth Pabrinkis (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-57505-496-5 Snow and the Earth Nikki Bundey    When children begin to learn about the gas-liquid-solid phases of matter, snow falls somewhere in between, even though it is probably by far the favorite phase. Snow and Earth teaches all the lessons about the water cycle, condensation and evaporation, air currents and temperature from the perspective of snow. There are several "see for yourself" activities so that youngsters can feel and see an actual snowball going through its various states. There are easy to read diagrams and dramatic photographs of blizzards, icicles and single snowflakes. Chapters about snow's effect on plants and animals explain that fir and spruce trees have tough springy needles and branches to support heavy snow in the far north. Snow and Earth is part of "The Science of Weather" series, which offers two books on each of six climate or weather conditions (drought, ice, rain, snow, storms, wind), one related to the earth and the other related to people. Key words are highlighted in the text and defined in a concise, easy to understand glossary. The book would work well as a high interest supplement to curriculum units about the water cycle or states of matter. 2000, Carolrhoda Books, $21.27. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-57505-471-X Snow Bears Martin Waddell Illustrated by Sarah Fox-Davies    Out in the snow, Mommy Bear plays a game with her three little ones. When she finds them covered with snow, she pretends not to recognize them, and asks where her bears are. "We aren't here, Mommy Bear" is their answer. Each time they play another game in the snow, they insist they aren't there. When the smallest bear gets cold, however, they all return home. Of course, when the snow melts on them, the pretending is over. They all enjoy hot toast by the fire. Fox-Davis's naturalistic pencil and watercolor illustrations add to this warm, loving maternal tale by incorporating enough anthropomorphic qualities to generate a feeling of security for little ones amid the snowy trees and in the cozy cabin. The large type and simple text could make this a beginning reader. 2002, Candlewick Press, $14.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature) Snow Bears Martin Waddell Illustrated by Sarah Fox-Davies    Mama bear finds her three baby bears outside covered with snow and the game begins. Pretending to be snow bears the biggest cub declares, "I don't know where we are." The other bears chime in with, "I haven't seen us" and "We aren't here, Mommy Bear." The snow bears play games with mama bear. They slide down hills and throw snowballs, but soon baby bear becomes too cold to continue playing. When they go inside for warm toast, the snow melts away leaving behind the baby bears. Soft watercolor and pencil drawing capture the animal antics. Wonderful expressions and body movements portray the loving relationship between mother and children. The sweet story invites one to sit by the fire and share warm toast with a special child. 2002, Candlewick Press, $14.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature) Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States ISBN: 0-7636-1906-X Snow Comes to the Farm Nathaniel Tripp Illustrated by Kate Kiesler    A now grown man tells the story of a memorable first snow in lyrical and gentle prose. There are no dramatic problems or incidents to resolve; instead, he recounts the time he and his older brother went into the woods to await the first snowstorm of the season. As the storm begins, he recalls the snow it in all its manifestations. First it is glitter floating in the air. Then the falling flakes progress to looking like stars on jacket sleeves. Picking up speed, the flakes "fill the cups of fallen leaves" and whiteness spills over everything. Finally, waves of snow pour though the woods and coat all the twigs and trees. An anticipated owl sighting completes the experience and connects beautifully to the last image of snow as owl-down. Double-page paintings enhance the narrator's reflections. These realistic pictures detail the family farm and the surrounding woods in transition from fall to winter. The grass is brown, the deciduous trees bare. The farm animals are restless, and the wild creatures in the woods scamper and store their winter food in and around the evergreens. However, while the blue-white light of the winter storm eventually covers the fall tones, the lights and warmth of home provide an overall glow that is developed both verbally and visually throughout the book. A companion piece for this book is Robert Frost's and Susan Jeffers' Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening (2001). 2001, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Melissa J. Rickey (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-56402-426-1 Snow Day Lynn Plourde Illustrated by Hideko Takahashi    Magic lies between the pages of this charming picture book. The winter wonderland is created when an overnight snowstorm blankets the world and the children of the family wake up to a snow day. Large, easy-to-read text vividly portrays the day of magic and memories from early morning rising to a warm bath and snuggly bed at night. Memories are created when the children start their snow day by eating a large breakfast of steaming oatmeal and then huddle together by the warm fireplace for a game of checkers and Old Maid. Cupboard carousing finds hot chocolate to drink and lots of munchies like popcorn, peanuts and pretzels. Outside there is lots of fun in the snow--sledding and a snowman and even a snow tunnel to crawl through. Bright, full-page illustrations reveal the magic of the day and add dimension to the story's characters. This book is sure to be a family favorite with both young and adult readers. It can be an aid to establishing family traditions in young families. 2001, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sue Reichard (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-689-82600-1 Snow Day! Patricia Lakin Pictures by Scott Nash    Sam, Pam, Will, and Jill are delighted to wake up to piles of snow. They gleefully pull on long undies, boots, mittens, and scarves, grab their sleds and dash outside. Unfortunately, they forgot one little detail...school! Having to go to school would surely spoil a day of sledding fun. Racing back to their homes, the little crocks take off all their gear. Dressed in business attire, impersonating four principals, they phone and announce "Snow day today" to all the Crock-O News stations. Children and adults celebrate! Whimsical gouache and pencil illustrations are warm and wacky and filled with exuberating action. Split frames show all four children simultaneously. Repetition and great facial and body expressions should delight young readers. The thrill of a snow day is sure to capture the imaginations of all that are young at heart. 2002, Dial Books for Young Readers, $15.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Sue Reichard (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-8037-2642-2 Snow in Jerusalem Deborah da Costa Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu    Peace in the world--who has not yearned for that? Peace in Jerusalem--can it really happen? Avi and Hamudi, who live in separate worlds in their Jewish and Muslim quarters of the Old City, seem to witness that miracles can still occur. The medium is a blue-eyed white cat whom they both are feeding, each unaware of the other's existence and role until kittens and a most unusual snowfall bring them all together. Naming and sharing the cat seems more reasonable than accusations and fighting over her, and so a friendship is born, hope flames in Jerusalem. This is a most believable story enfolded by wondrously warm and detailed watercolors, an armchair trip into that exotic, fabled and troubled city. Don't miss exploring it with Hamudi, Avi and the white cat. 2001, Whitman, $15.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Judy Chernak (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-8075-7521-6 Snow Music Lynne Rae Perkins    When a dog gets loose from the house on a snowy day, his owner searches for him and experiences the sounds of various animals and things in the snow. The author/illustrator of this book takes a very simple story line and uses it to create a visual and auditory experience for young children. Readers use sound effects along with words to recreate the experiences the characters have in the snow. Young children who have had experiences with walking and playing in the snow may relate to the words and pictures though many children in Texas may not appreciate what the author is saying. Fiction. Grades Preschool-3. 2003, Greenwillow Books, Unpaged., $16.89. Ages 2 to 9. Reviewer: Jeanne McCaffrey (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 16, No. 2)) Best Books: Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 27, 2003; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-06-623956-7 Snow Ponies Cynthia Cotton Illustrated by Jason Cockcroft    On a cold gray day, Old Man Winter assembles his snow ponies, tells them it's a fine day for a romp then sends them off into the countryside. Their galloping hooves make no sound on the winter-hardened ground as the world around them begins to turn white with snow. The ponies romp and play with each other while creatures like the white-tailed deer, gray squirrel and red-breasted robin seek refuge from the swirling snow. Finally the ponies tire of their exuberant play and wander back to the barn, where Old Man Winter opens the door and welcomes them. The weary ponies head for their stalls and a much-needed rest. Old Man Winter looks out across the white landscape and smiles a satisfied smile. Most of the illustrations have icy blue backgrounds dotted with snow that enhance the wintry feel of this gentle allegory. 2001, Henry Holt, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Janet Crane Barley (Children's Literature) Snow Ponies Cynthia Cotton Illustrated by Jason Cockcroft    In this romantic view of our changing seasons, Old Man Winter takes his snow ponies from the barn and sets them free. As they gallop and frolic through the winter landscape, other creatures take cover from the cold, and the snowflakes fly until all is covered with white. Then the ponies return to the barn to rest, as "Old Man Winter smiles" in satisfaction. Cockcroft's affection for horses is obvious in this visual allegory, a sequence of woodsy naturalistic scenes where the ponies make merry amid the flying snow. The story is spare, but the acrylic paintings command our attention and stir our emotions. 2001, Henry Holt, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature) Best Books: Children's Choices, 2002; International Reading Association; United States ISBN: 0-8050-6063-4 Snowballs Lois Ehlert    Making snowballs and snowmen seems so natural with all of those beautiful flakes piled high on the ground. Ehlert, with her distinctive collage artwork, creates a snow family using familiar objects from inside and outside the house. When the sun arrives, the family begins to melt away. Good ideas for decorating and creating a snow family are imaginatively displayed in vertical form on two-page spreads. 2001 (orig. 1995), Red Wagon/Harcourt, $6.95. Ages 6 mo. to 3. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature) Best Books: Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California ISBN: 0-15-216275-5 The Snowflake : A Water Cycle Story Neil Waldman    Many books explain the water cycle for young readers. Waldman chooses to follow a tiny snowflake through the cycle and the months of a year, lyrically describing its journey and its changes, to a drop of water, into the earth, flowing up into a spring, then up into the clouds, down into a reservoir to be purified, used to wash, flowing down a drain to the sea. From there it evaporates to become a snowflake again. Final notes detail the ever-changing shape of water through the ages. Devoting a double page with a delicately toned watercolor for each month, Waldman's esthetic emphasizes visual design in the slanted march of July's torrential rains or the blushing hues of the twilight reflection of distant foothills or the white-capped crest of a mighty November wave's swirling linear swells. The visual poetry adds measurably to the text's description. 2003, Millbrook Press, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-7613-2347-3 The Snowflake Sisters J. Patrick Lewis Illustrated by Lisa Desimini    Ivory and Crystal, the snowflake twins, have an adventurous life. The first snowfall finds them falling from a cloud to a group of children playing in the snow, but they soon move on to ride along on Santa's sleigh and twirl over people standing in Time's Square on New Year's Eve. They finally come to rest in Central Park on the shoulder of a snowman. They spend the winter there and worry as they begin to melt when spring comes, but are reassured by the departing winter that they will be back next year. The color illustrations appear to be constructed from fabric scraps and colored paper, which create an interesting effect that is very appealing. The illustrations of New York City neighborhoods are constructed of maps of the city as well as magazines and newspapers from New York. The rhyming story and the repetitive words will appeal to early readers, and also make this book an excellent story-time and bedtime story book. 2003, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-689-85029-8 Snowmen at Night Caralyn Buehner Pictures by Mark Buehner    We have all come out of the house on a frosty cold morning and found that our snowmen have drooped or tilted overnight. I always assumed that it was a change in temperature or a beguiling wind that wreaked the havoc. But then I read this book and realized that snowmen have a whole other life that none of us ever suspected once we turn off our lights at night. They sled, they play baseball, they make snow angels--who knew? Written in a playful verse, this glimpse into the after hour frolics of snowmen is just plain fun. It is silly to watch the snowmen (and snowwomen, of course) have the same fun that we have in the snow. After all the fun they have at night, it certainly is no wonder that they appear slightly disheveled the next day. From now on, I will never pass by a wilting snowman without a chuckle and a knowing nod. I am so glad to finally be in on this secret. The luminous illustrations in this book are the perfect match for the tone of this book. Buehner manages to capture that midwinter glow that bounces off of the snowmen so perfectly. The hush of the winter landscape is artfully captured in these illustrations. The snowmen are having a ball, and we see the glee on their faces throughout. And when dawn approaches and the exhausted snowmen gather up lost mittens and sleds and trudge back home, they look like they have seen better days. There is a magic to these illustrations that captures my sense of wonder after a fresh snowfall, and I have fallen in love with these illustrations. Buehner, as you may know, often hides animals in his pictures for children to find, and he does here as well, which will delight his readers. Buehner's book was honored for the illustrations at the 2002 Society of Children's Book Illustrators show. 2002, Phyllis Fogelman/Penguin Putnam, $15.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature) Snowmen at Night Caralyn Buehner Pictures by Mark Buehner    Does the tall and stately snowman, so carefully built one day, look a little disheveled a day later? "His hat had slipped, his arms drooped down,/ he really looked a fright-/ it made me start to wonder:/ What do snowmen do at night?" When it really gets dark, those playful round guys slide to the park. There they enjoy ice-cold cocoa before having races and acting like grinning clowns. The fun continues and the snowmen play baseball with their brooms, have a terrific snowball fight, and take wild rides downhill on sleds. When they are tuckered out, they gather their snowman paraphernalia to return home. Vivid and luminescent paintings capture the snowmen in their joyous pursuits. Readers are invited to look for hidden shapes throughout the illustrations. Join the frosty merry-makers in poetic verse and learn why the grins of snowmen are a little crooked in the morning. 2002, Phyllis Fogelman Books, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature) Best Books: • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: • ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Awards Winner 2003 Picture Books United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: • Beehive Award, 2003-2004 ; Nominee; Utah • Colorado Children's Book Award List, 2003-2004 ; Nominee; Colorado ISBN: 0-8037-2550-7 A Snowy Day Robin Nelson    Short sentences caption full-color photographs that describe the nature scenes and outdoor activities on snowy days. Among the sixteen photographs are bleak, snowy landscapes, animal tracks in the snow, multicultural children shoveling, sledding and playing in the snow. The vocabulary is fairly simple, making this a good book for emergent readers. The meanings of the more difficult words can be ascertained from the photographs. Part of the "First Step Nonfiction" series, this can also be used with preschool children as an introduction to a discussion about snowy weather. Information about snowflakes, some facts about snowfalls, a glossary and an index are included. 2002, Lerner Publications, $15.93 and $3.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-8225-1964-X Teddy's Snow Day Ian Beck    When Lily awoke to a world filled with snow, she bundled up to play outside and left Teddy on a window ledge to watch. "Whoosh! Teddy was catapulted high into the cold air. He bumped down onto a roof and bounced off a laundry line...and flew back up, far above the houses and trees. Until he landed PLOP!...headfirst in a snowdrift." Thus begins a day filled with wonderful adventure and fun. Teddy tries snowboarding, sliding on ice, and builds a snowbear. When he becomes wet and cold, Teddy begins to trudge home. It starts to snow again and soon he is lost. A kind stranger wearing red mittens gives Teddy a lift home in a whizzing sleigh. Use of onomatopoeia and descriptive words would provide an entertaining read-aloud. Softly colored paintings capture Teddy on his perfect winter day. 2002 (orig. 1998), Scholastic Press, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-439-17520-8 Tiny the Snow Dog Cari Meister Illustrated by Rich Davis    Tiny, like Clifford, is a huge dog. He dwarfs his owner and practically everything in the house. It has snowed and Tiny and his friends head outside. Tiny pulls the sled, they run in the snow, and Tiny decides to hide and play a trick. He becomes the "snow monster." The simple text will be easily mastered--brief sentences with repetitive phrases and lots of visual clues will make this book a treat for beginning readers. Other Tiny stories include Tiny's Bath, When Tiny was Tiny and Tiny Goes to the Library. Viking Easy-to-Read Level 1, pre-K to 1. 2001, Viking/Penguin Putnam, $13.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature) Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0-670-89117-7 Totally Polar Marty Crisp Illustrated by Viv Eisner    Peter Petrosky MacGregor O'Toole has gone totally polar. If you see a boy at the beach wearing muluks, long johns and mittens, then you have bumped into a fellow who is absolutely mad about winter. He dreams of magic snow days when schools close and cats become furry Eskimos. Peter wants to drink hot chocolate in bed and build a snowman so tall that it will take a forklift to complete. "Will it get so deep that it's up to our door?" asks Peter, who lives on the 23rd floor. Written in catchy poetic jingles, Peter is sure to capture the hearts of all who love winter. Joyous and whimsical gauche and colored pencil drawings spill off the pages, inviting the reader to pour over them again and again. 2001, Rising Moon, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-87358-789-8 Winter is for Snowflakes Michelle Knudsen Illustrated by Denise and Fernando    Remember how much fun it was to make snowballs, snow angles, and snowmen? To go sledding really fast down a snowy hill? To catch snowflakes on your tongue? Then to come inside to take off the chill by warming up with a nice bowl of soup for an energy-boosting snack? For the winter-loving child in your life here is a book to snuggle up with and anticipate all the fun one is going to have when it's time for the snow to come to your neighborhood. Michelle Knudsen writes with such fun and energy. Her words are poetic with the sound of a joyful child playing in the snow. Denise Fraifeld's illustrations are cheerful and colorful, showing a heap of fun expressed on the little ones' faces. Children will love touching and looking at the glittery snowflakes on the front and back cover. 2003, Random House, $3.99. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Lynda Dale MacLean (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-375-82215-1 Snow Features from Other Years: Winter 2006-2007 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. Added 12/26/03