Snow! Snow! Snow!

October 1, 2009
PreS-KThe snow comes down all through the night, creating perfect sledding conditions for the next day. Two pups get bundled up and head outside with their dad, pile onto a sled, and head down the hill. They hit a bump and go soaring into the air, and three spreads show them blissfully sailing alongside the birds. When they are struck with the realization that they can't really fly, they crash to earth, right before the requisite, "Again! Again!" Harper's watercolor illustrations are simple, yet effective. Readers get a good sense of the cold, crisp snow and billowing clouds, and the characters' faces are expressive. Children will enjoy this reminder of how much fun winter can be."Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2009
Preschool-K After a night of falling snow, two children (well, OK, dogs dressed in pajamas) look out on a day thats perfect for sledding. Once dressed for the cold, they climb an enormous hill with their father. All three pile onto the sled and speed downward. Hitting a bump, they take off, flying though the air for a few pages, seemingly soaring above the clouds until, suddenly, gravity kicks in and SPLOOMPH! they land, their fall cushioned by the snow at the bottom of the hill. In the paintings, snowy landscapes and cloudy skies create lovely backdrops, while the expressive, cartoonlike characters bring energy and good-natured fun to the artwork. Short and simple, the text on each double-page spread varies from a dozen words to none at all. Even toddlers will soon chime in on whats sure to be their favorite line, Uh-oh, not to mention echoing the little dogs cry after their snowy landing, Again! Again!(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)