This is my final Perfect Picture Book of the year and I want to wish you all a peaceful festive season, whether your snow or beach bound! Bonnes Fêtes!
Title: Hoot and Peep, A Song For Snow
Author & Illustrator: Lita Judge
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2017
Ages: 4-7
Themes: winter, owls, first snowfall, nature’s songs, siblings
Opening:
Synopsis:
This is Peep’s first winter and her older brother, Hoot, tells her he senses the first snowfall in the air. Peep wants to know what snow’s song is, “Does it scrinkle scrattle like falling leaves?” But because he’s only a year older, Hoot doesn’t remember but assures her its coming. Peep’s impatient and starts to doubt her brother but then it arrives, and they celebrate and welcome this wintry gift from nature, learning firsthand what Snow’s song is.
Why I like this book:
I loved these two owls in their first book and am so happy to see a sequel. I also, of course, appreciate the Parisian rooftop setting once again. These are characters with so much heart and love for life, as well as a sensitivity to the songs that nature sings. Rather than just wanting to experience the temperature or texture of snow, they want to know its song. Doesn’t that make your own heart sing. The magic that children (and some adults still) feel about the first snow of the season is captured in the lyrical text and sublime urban night-scapes in watercolor that Lita paints with such skill. The story sings to the reader willing to hear.
Activities/Resources:
Ideally I would try and save this for the first snow of the year as the timing would be squeal-worthy, then you can all don your winter togs and dash outside to listen for yourselves. Afterwards, back in the toasty warm of kitchen or classroom, children can paint their own snow songs!
https://vimeo.com/233321494
Don’t miss this interview I did with Lita a couple of years ago.
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.
What a beautiful and magical story about natures songs and rhythms. I always think of the silence of a new snow. Have a wonderful Christmas, wherever you travel!
The effect of the snow on noise in a city is so dramatic, and a wonderful reminder of nature’s strength over what we throw at it. Beautiful pick!
This series is new to me. The illustrations a beautiful, and the story sounds fantastic. Thanks for the recommendation.
I too like the other Hoot and Peep story and look forward to reading this one. Can’t wait to find it.