A Thing Called Snow

by Yuval Zommer

Overview

In this follow-up to the holiday hit The Tree That's Meant to Be, a fox and hare discover the magic of a first winter snowfall.

Fox and Hare were born in the spring, but the seasons are changing and they hear snow is on the way. "What is snow like?" they ask all the forest animals, and each gives a different answer ("Snow is white, like your fur."). But their questions are soon answered when thick, fluffy flakes start to fall. SNOW! Young readers will share the magical feeling of a first snowfall as they see the two best friends marvel in nature's beauty.

This is a charming holiday story that feels instantly classic and yet fresh and new at the same time. With heartfelt themes of friendship, curiosity, and the wonder of nature, it's a story families will love cozying up with together.

Look for all of Yuval Zommer's beautiful nature stories:
The Tree That's Meant to Be
The Lights That Dance in the Night
The Wild (coming Feburary 2024)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593377888
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	11/02/2021
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	385,836
Product dimensions:	9.60(w) x 12.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

YUVAL ZOMMER graduated from London's Royal College of Art with an MA in illustration. After working as a creative director at many leading advertising agencies, his passion for picture books won out, and he is now the author and illustrator of several highly acclaimed children's books, including The Tree That's Meant to Be, A Thing Called Snow, The Lights That Dance in the Night, and the Big Book series. Follow Yuval on Twitter and Instagram at @yuvalzommer.

Editorial Reviews

"There is a Jan Brett-like snuggled-up vibe. . . . Enchanting i­llustrations and a topic of endless childhood fascination."—School Library Journal

"Zommer’s collagelike illustrations are full of marvelous textures and details in the rich and realistic colors of nature."—Kirkus

"With playful and lyrical touches, this enjoyable seasonal read also highlights the rewards of friendship and how curiosity can inspire and lead to unexpected delights and experiences."—Booklist

From the Publisher

01/01/2022

Toddler-PreS—Best friends Fox and Hare, both of the arctic variety, have never seen snow. Born in the spring, the pair senses a change in the air. Bird, an arctic tern, informs them winter is on the way. "Soon you will be able to jump, leap, and bounce in this thing called snow!" Bear, Caribou, Salmon, and Goose all describe snow as white, cold, fluffy, and sparkly. Simple misidentification ensues. "Is that snow?" the friends ask when they see white flowers in the meadow, water spray in the stream, clouds in the sky, and stars reflected in the lake. Fox and Hare's search ends unsuccessfully as the day concludes and they seek shelter together in a nearby canoe. The friends are delighted to wake up to a "bright white morning like no other." Cozy digital illustrations use earthy tones and cut-outs for a folksy style. The illustrations are placed on full spreads without borders, but there is a Jan Brett-like snuggled-up vibe. The story, albeit thin, may be just the ticket for older toddlers transitioning to longer narratives. As the two friends search for something they have never seen before, preschoolers will enjoy being in on the secret. VERDICT Recommended as an optional purchase for the enchanting illustrations and a topic of endless childhood fascination.—Richelle Rose

School Library Journal

2021-08-11
Two young friends have an adventure while learning what snow is.

Though it’s not necessarily sustained, the poetic opening sets the tone for the text: “Fox and Hare were born in the spring, / grew up in the summer, / and were the best of friends by autumn.” One day, Bird drops down and tells the friends they’ll soon be able to play in “this thing called snow,” but the two don’t know what that is. They set out to query Bear, Caribou, Salmon, and Goose. Each compares snow to something they already know: “Snow is white like your fur,” Bear tells them, or “fluffy like your tails,” according to Salmon. The day passes, and darkness lowers, and they are no closer to an answer or to home, so they curl up together…while gentle flakes fall around them. Bear and Caribou, who began to fear the friends were lost, discover them in the morning, and Fox and Hare delight in the snow as they lead the larger animals back home. Zommer’s collagelike illustrations are full of marvelous textures and details in the rich and realistic colors of nature, and the wildlife depicted is more lifelike than cartoon. The one oddity is that Zommer depicts both eyes of each animal even in profile, leading to some peculiar appearances, especially for Goose and Salmon. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

This will have young children thinking of their own comparisons for snow. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews