Parents' Guide to

Snow

Book Uri Shulevitz Picture Book 1998
Snow Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Susan Fitzgerald , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 4+

Brings alive the pure wonder of snow.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 4+?

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What's the Story?

An earnest little boy desires snow to brighten his gray city. Undaunted by the adults who tell him it won't come, the boy gets his wish as a white blanket falls, one flake at a time. The boy's eagerness, coupled with exceptional watercolor and pen-and-ink illustration, bring alive the pure wonder of snow.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This straightforward book caused one 5-year-old to squeal in delight at Uri Shulevitz's words. Descriptors such as "boy with dog," "grandfather with beard," and "woman with umbrella" inspired him to fire off a barrage of original people labels. "Neighbor with cat," "friend with mittens," and "teacher with snack" provoked endless giggles, plus satisfaction about being able to understand and play along with this silly-speak.

But what makes SNOW so appealing is the purity of the boy with dog. In text and illustrations, Shulevitz brings the spirit of a child brilliantly to life. Readers are quickly convinced it is the boy's pure will that brings each flake. If the snowfall isn't enough, the boy's imagination brings to life Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty, and the gang to celebrate.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the boy's persistent hope. What do you think of the grown-ups in this story?

Book Details

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