Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Perfect Snow
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Albert Whitman & Company, 2011 ISBN: 978-0807564929
During the night it snowed, and in the morning, when they see the snowy landscape outside, Scott and Jim (looking out of the windows of their respective homes) are delighted. Though school is not cancelled, the boys are still happy because they know that all that snow will be waiting for them in the school yard during recess.
As soon as the bell rings for recess, all the children “stampede” into the school yard. Scott is determined to make the “World’s Greatest Snowman,” and Jim is going to create a huge “Snow Fortress of Doom.” Though they work very hard, the two boys encounter problems. Scott’s snowmen don’t meet his expectations, and Jim’s efforts to make a fort are thwarted because the other kids keep swiping his snow.
At lunchtime, Jim notices Scott’s snowmen, and he tells Scott that he knows a way to make the snowmen stronger. Soon the boys are working together on a plan they have developed. The other kids admire their work, and it isn’t long before all of them are working together to create something truly stupendous.
For this delightful seasonal picture book, Barbara Reid pairs her famous plasticine pictures with ink and watercolor panels to give readers a truly unique story about snow and kids. The story shows to great effect how working together can be both rewarding and fun.
