Title: the Most Perfect Snowman
Written and illustrated by: Chris Britt
Publisher: Balzer & Bray, September 2016
Ages: 4-8
Themes: snow, winter, snowmen, kindness, bullying, paying it forward, loneliness
Opening:
Drift was the loneliest of snowmen.
Made from the first blustery snow of winter,
he’d been built fast and then forgotten.
Synopsis:
Drift the snowman is just a plain forgotten snowman who feels different from all the other snowman because he was made without the things other snowman had like a hat, scarf, mittens, and most of all a carrot nose. All the other snowmen make fun of him until some generous children provide just what he needs. And, of course, Mr. Snowman pays forward that act of kindness.
The illustrations are cartoony, which is Chris Britt’s style, creating some very stylish snowmen and warm expressions. He has created a wonderful wintry book about empathy, sacrifice, friendship, and kindness, and it is perfect for the first snowfall of the year.
Why I like this book:
While this is a message-driven story, it retains all its sweetness for me, especially with a lovely twist at the end.
Resources/Activities:
This is a story that will make a great conversation starter with children about things like; teasing, feelings, caring, sharing, and friendship!
Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and/or activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found sorted alphabetically and by topics, here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Looks sweet! Hope I can find a copy.
What a fun book! Like the snowman’s name “Drift.” Fun play on words. I love the idea of kids dressing him up — out of compassion of just fun?
This sounds wonderful. I put a copy on hold. Thanks for the heads up!
I like the gentle sound of this book. Added to my list. Maybe we’ll get snow this weekend!
This sounds like a great addition to a collection of snowman books! Thanks for taking the time to share it.
Perfect for a wintry read, as snowflakes swirl outside.
I love stories about snow people – and can’t believe I haven’t read this one yet. Thanks for sharing it. And this weekend it looks like we’ll get enough snow to make plenty of snow people.