SNOW
Written and Illustrated by: Sam Usher
Published by: Templar Publishing 2014
Ages: 3 – 6 years
Theme: Patience, eagerness, prepared
Opening Lines: When I woke up this morning it was snowing! I couldn’t wait to go to the park.
Synopsis: One little boy wants desperately to race out to enjoy the snow. His Grandad is taking so long to get ready and reminds the little boy to be dressed appropriately. Finally they set off for the park through the snow which has now been churned up by all his friends and animals. But the joy, games, and fun are still to be had no matter what time of the day.
Why I like this: Wow! This is a beautiful book in so many ways. The huge sparse cool drawings imitate snow that even on a summer’s day made me shiver, thinking of my northern hemisphere friends. The short sharp text had me hooked in the little boy’s anticipation and foot hopping eagerness to get out and enjoy the snow. Grandads’ do take a long time when getting ready for anything in little kids eyes. The anxious stares out the window, pouncing up and down on the doorstep, come on Grandad. Waiting is for-e-v-e-r! Finally they arrive at the park and what fun there is. I love the soft colours used in the cool scenes of the snow and the warmth that oozes through the connection between Grandad and the little boy, told in first voice. There is also cleverly hidden lessons to be learned for kids such as making sure you are wrapped up warm wearing the right clothes, and having patience, the old saying -all good things come to those who wait. And there is always tomorrow. There is no mention of Christmas so this book is a year-round delight to read. Kids and adults will love this. Even Grandad wins a snowball fight. J
Resources/Findings: I love his philosophy for writers and I also smiled at his –being content at failing at everything you do, it’s then a nice surprise when something works. https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/guest-author-interviews.php?page_id=sam%20usher
Here are some snow activities for kids…. http://britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca/snow/snow.html
Here are some lovely videos for kids to watch …. http://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/cool-snowflake-videos-kids.html
This was a great review of the book with an activity to do with molded snow… http://www.playingbythebook.net/2014/11/20/some-things-are-worth-waiting-for-snow-by-samuel-usher/
I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Yay, another great snow book! I love the cover with the little boy peeking outside the door. Great story and the illustrations sound beautiful! Nice choice for all of us in the Northern Hemisphere, even though I do spy the beach as your header. Would love to be there now. 🙂
Thanks Pat. Yes I bet you would love to be lazy by the sea in the sun right now. We have some showers but mostly sunny days and our humidity is always high. I thought this was a great choice to, to show you guys are always on my mind. 🙂
And, you are frequently on my mind!
Oh, my! I’m in love already! Sure hope I can find this one!
Hope you found it Julie. I like the sparse text and big spaces on the pages giving the feel of cool snow in the pictures before they went to the park. It is a great book.
I did! Thanks again.
A cute snow book. Is the little boy a penguin? I love penguins!
It is a cute book Darlene. No the penguin is one of the animals heading to the park ahead of the little boy as he waits for his Grandad.
I see that now. Adorable cover.
I love snow books. Will get thsi one for sure. We are expecting more snow on Monday and Tuesday. Gotta go to store now.
Love,
Clar
Thanks, stay warm Clar. Enjoy your week.
Looks wonderful. Put it on hold!
Cool! Hope you enjoy it Penny. Thinking of you guys up there in the cold snow weather. Just been sitting out till after 8pm having dinner on the deck in the warm sun. LOL.
I don’t know this book, Diane. But it is lovely…and your review and resource/activity ideas are GREAT! Thanks for sharing…perfect for these snowy days we’ve been having in New Hampshire. 😉
So glad you enjoyed the review Vivian. Stay warm during the heavy snow falls. Enjoy your week.