Picture Book Thursday: Snow
Snow
Written by Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Lauren Stringer
Harcourt
Age Range 3-7 years
Footprints in the Snow
Written & illustrated by Mei Matsuoka
Henry Holt
Age Range 3-6 years
The Snow Show
Written & illustrated by Carolyn Fisher
Harcourt
Age Range 4-8 years
Snow; you just can't have enough of the stuff. I decided that with so many teachers enjoying indoor recess duty and pining for the fluffy white flakes, I'd review a few snow themed titles. Here goes. . .
Snow
This book's endpapers open with a single snowflake on a winter-blue
background that draws you into a gentle text of snow laden imagery.
"Some snows fall only lightly, just enough to make you notice the
delicate limbs of trees, the light falling from the lamppost, a
sparrow's small feet." Lauren Stringer's illustrations complement the
text and are infused with blues that glow in the same way that snows do
as they're hit by moonlight. By the time I was done reading, I was
ready to curl up at home and enjoy a snow-day.
Footprints in the Snow
Having come to the conclusion that most storybook wolves were
"nasty, scary and greedy," Mr. Nice Wolf sets out to right a story
with, well, a nice wolf. Much to his dismay the animals he encounters
don't trust his intentions. I can't say as I blame them and they make
for numerous humorous encounters. Mr. Nice Wolf is a character I'd
like to see in a sequel.
The Snow Show
Carolyn Fisher approaches the subject of how snow is formed in an
original way, presenting the material in the form of a show. Hosts
Snow White, Chef Kelvin and Jack Frost share the responsibility of
leading readers through the process, covering everything from
evaporation to crystalization. The book is peppered with tongue in
cheek comments that children and adults will enjoy. Fisher also includes a PDF Activity Kit on her Web site. It has loads of printable games and worksheets to enhance a unit on snow. The Snow Show would make a wonderful pair with Snowflake Bentley.
Activity
Have students use Model Magic or white Play-Doh to create a snowwoman based on the one created in Bethel, Maine.
Find a local business willing to display the artwork for the public to
enjoy. (Be sure to check out the gallery on their site. The snowwoman
sports skis for eyelashes!)
Mr. Nice Wolf is a celebrity in my pre-k class. I would love to see a sequel, as well!
Posted by: msalice | January 16, 2009 at 03:15 PM