Snowman Magic
PreS-Gr 2-Tegen's story recalls Raymond Briggs's wordless classic, The Snowman (Random, 1978). In this version, George is, at first, bored watching the blizzard outside. But the next morning, he bundles up and plunges into the deep, fluffy world of white. He proceeds to build a snowman and dress it up with button eyes, a carrot nose, twigs for arms and mouth, a hat, and a scarf. Is it smiling at him? After a snack of cookies and hot chocolate (which the snowman can't drink), George builds a snow cave. He and the animated snowman have a grand time throwing snowballs at each other and racing around the yard until dark. The next day, it is warmer. They play some more, although George notices the snowman is not as peppy. The following day is Monday and George goes to school. By the time he returns home, most of the snow, including his winter friend, has melted. But the next day, it is snowing again, and George is ready to build another snowman. The descriptive story and Dorman's realistic illustrations convincingly capture the boy's wonder and joy of celebrating winter days with a magical friend. George's understanding that his creation will eventually melt but can be built again gives the story an upbeat ending. Although no new ground is broken here, this is a pleasant addition to storytime shelves.-Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CTα(c) Copyright 2011.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.