Book Review #28

 The Snow Dancer

Author: Addie Boswell 

Illustrator: Mercè López
Publisher: Two Lions, 2020
ISBN: 978-1542093170
Reading Level: 3 - 7 years

Main Characters: Sofia

Plot: The world is covered in snow when Sofia awakes. She is the first one in her neighborhood to discover the thrill of dancing in the newly fallen snow. Others soon join in the fun. Sofia shares her snow dancing with another little girl with "delicate wings attached to her coat." Sofia ends her day with a sense of satisfaction for a "perfect snow day" and a cup of hot cocoa. 

Settings: Somewhere during winter with beautifully fallen new snow in the park. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's picture book. Themes: quiet, snow, dancing, movement, simple pleasures, magic, and wonder. 

The style is simple and reminds me of the wonders of nature. 

 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Critical Analysis: The illustrations are beautiful and lend themselves well to the feeling of quiet. They remind the reader that quiet is important for creativity and self-expression. As Sofia begins to share her quiet world with others, she finds value in relationships and interactions as well. 

“Bright, expressive illustrations created in acrylic, graphite, and digital media highlight a willowy young dancer’s snow-day experience…Vivid imagery, onomatopoeia, and supple blue-gradient typography enliven Sofia’s journey as she learns to share her snow day. A dynamic tale of cooperation, 

adaptation, and friendship.” 

~~ Publishers Weekly

Why 5 Roars? This book is one of my new favorites. It reminds the reader of their first experience with nature's wonder and the mystery that is snow. The crunch sounds, the feel of silence and renewal, the special connection we feel with the natural world. 

“Frosty blues and whites usher in the snow that blankets this effervescent tale of snow-day bliss…The text and illustrations work together wonderfully to convey the sights and sounds of a snowy day, as well as the magic and excitement inherent to these unplanned days off of school. A spirited paean to the snow day that will appeal to children and their parents.” ~~Booklist

I hope children's libraries will consider adding this charming book to their collections. 

Illustrations: Mercè López’s elegant illustrations are certainly a large part of the enchantment this book offers readers.

Connections:

Winter Hokey Pokey