Andy & Sandy and the First Snow

July 15, 2016
The third installment in the Andy & Sandy series for new readers comes right in time for winter. Diminutive Andy is hesitant about venturing out into the snow, but the taller Sandy, a kid who knows snow, is more enthusiastic. Andy greets each activity Sandy suggests with skepticism. When Sandy tells Andy to "fall down," he looks at her like she's crazy and says, "In the snow?" Ultimately he is won over, sort of. When Sandy, now the cold one says, "Snow is very wet and very cold," Andy counters, "And snow is lots of fun." Both agree that the best part is "getting warm." DePaola's simple acrylic-and-colored-pencil illustrations in his signature style match the simple text. Andy has a light brown complexion, curly hair, and, possibly, almond-shaped eyes. Red-haired, fair-skinned Sandy wears glasses and a perpetual smile. The inside covers decorated with pictures attributed to Andy and Sandy show additional winter vocabulary that may encourage children to write about their own adventures in the snow. Short, declarative sentences, single-syllable words, and repeated vocabulary make this unleveled reader ideal for children just beginning to read on their own. A welcome return for Andy and Sandy! (Early reader. 4-8)

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August 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-In the third book in the series, Andy and Sandy find themselves playing in the first snow of the season. At first, Andy is hesitant to go out in the cold, but as Sandy introduces him to exciting winter activities (building a snowman, sledding down the hill, and making beautiful snow angels), he is glad to be outdoors. When Sandy decides she is cold, the pair head inside for hot chocolate by a warm fire. This book is perfect for young children learning how to read. Endpapers reveal the characters' artwork, which describe the wintry season. Illustrations are done in acrylics and colored pencil, making the tone of the story sweet and playful. VERDICT No need to have read the first two titles in this series; this one can stand on its own. A fun seasonal selection for beginning readers.-Martha Rico, El Paso ISD, TX

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