2019 Top 20 Goodreads Choice Awards.
As the worst snow storm of the year rolls in, one family hunkers down together in a cozy blanket fort for the night. A little girl makes a wish on a snow globe and, in the morning, the sun rises on a winter wonderland—beckoning all outside. And what if, on this snow-filled day, families shake their busy lives and everyone goes out to play?
A lyrical holiday story about wishes and community and snow—lots and lots of snow.
October 7, 2019
Gentle rhyming text and naïf illustrations dominated by lovely pale yellow and teal tones are impeccably paired in this heartwarming book. During the “worst storm of the year,” a family of four eats takeout in front of a blazing fireplace (“Picnic dinners,/ candle light./ Darkness draws us close tonight”) and then settles down to sleep in a cozy blanket fort as one child makes “snow globe wishes.” The morning brings clear skies and a “snow globe day” that enticingly beckons townsfolk young and old, who frolic in the snow before joining hands and forming a circle around a Christmas tree. As the wishes behind the story are revealed—“Peace on earth./ Right now./ Right here./ Peace for all throughout the year!”—the family’s cat and dog, back at home, peer into a snow globe in which the outdoor scenario is duplicated. Dealey and Shorrock create a winsome, hopeful portrait of family and community bonds. Ages 4–8.
October 18, 2019
PreS-Gr 2-When a snowstorm sends workers home early, a family of four makes the most of the situation. The wind blows, the electricity falters, and everyone hunkers down for a cozy night at home. The family, which includes a dark-skinned mother, son and daughter and a light-skinned, mustachioed father, eat dinner sitting on the floor in front of a roaring fireplace while the snow quietly deepens outside the window. Told in rhyming couplets, the narrative describes the idyllic night, complete with a family storytime, a blanket fort, and sleeping on the living room floor. A bright morning brings a free day to spend together building snowmen, sledding, and making snow angels. A decorated tree in the corner indicates that Christmas is near, and the final wish is for the new year: "Peace on earth. Right now. Right here. Peace for all throughout the year!" Charming illustrations are childlike with their simple backgrounds and friendly villagers who join together in their wish for the future. VERDICT This warmhearted story of family and community, filled with goodwill and hope, will have children wishing for a snow day. A solid seasonal choice.-Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library WI
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from September 1, 2019
When a snowstorm blows through town, it knocks out power and sends evening commuters scurrying for the safety and warmth of home. But in the electricity-free night, one family turns the darkness into an opportunity to slow down and enjoy time together. This charming story follows the evening of an interracial family of four: a brown-skinned and dark-haired woman, little girl, and little boy, and a man presenting as white with light-colored skin and light hair. They have a candlelit picnic of Chinese takeout next to a blazing fireplace and decorated Christmas tree. The family enjoys the rest of the quiet snowy evening beneath a blanket fort in which they sleep together, cat and dog bundled in as well. The next morning, they and the rest of the community go out to play in the snow. The final spread in the book depicts the family's cat and dog looking at the happy human tableau, now within the snow globe, which reads "Peace on Earth." The muted colors, simple, childlike renderings, and happy characters make this book about a snowstorm feel warm and cozy--think hygge in picture-book form. Aside from the star-topped, decorated tree and the "Peace on Earth" message, often associated with Christmas, there are no religious symbols used in the book. The feelings of community and togetherness are palpable. (Picture book. 4-8)
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