Snow

Brings alive the pure wonder of snow.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this is a modern-day book with an old-world feel.
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What's the Story?
An earnest little boy desires snow to brighten his gray city. Undaunted by the adults who tell him it won't come, the boy gets his wish as a white blanket falls, one flake at a time. The boy's eagerness, coupled with exceptional watercolor and pen-and-ink illustration, bring alive the pure wonder of snow.
Is It Any Good?
This straightforward book caused one 5-year-old to squeal in delight at Uri Shulevitz's words. Descriptors such as "boy with dog," "grandfather with beard," and "woman with umbrella" inspired him to fire off a barrage of original people labels. "Neighbor with cat," "friend with mittens," and "teacher with snack" provoked endless giggles, plus satisfaction about being able to understand and play along with this silly-speak.
But what makes SNOW so appealing is the purity of the boy with dog. In text and illustrations, Shulevitz brings the spirit of a child brilliantly to life. Readers are quickly convinced it is the boy's pure will that brings each flake. If the snowfall isn't enough, the boy's imagination brings to life Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty, and the gang to celebrate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the boy's persistent hope. What do you think of the grown-ups in this story?
Book Details
- Author: Uri Shulevitz
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date: January 1, 1998
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 7
- Number of pages: 28
- Award: Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated: November 4, 2019
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