All You Need for a Snowman

CUTE SIMPLY BOOK & EASY & FUN FOR THE KIDS TO READ TO THE FAMILY! IT'S A NICE BOOK & AFFORDABLE... WE LOVE ALL SNOWMEN & SNOWANIMALS!!!

This is a good story to read to a group of children. The illustrations are clear and colorful and there is a nice rhythm and rhyme to the text. As the snowman is being built, and his accoutrements added, there is a teasing "except" or "but" before you turn the page, inviting participation and anticipation from the audience. I was surprised and delighted that when a new snowfall invited the construction of a second snowman it turned out to be, not a pet or a snow-wife, but another snowman. Since this is a clear departure from traditional snow-being groups I suspect the author is making a point, but a point so subtle that is only going to be noticeable if someone chooses it to be. If there is an objection to the implied message, there is no problem interpreting the story as a snowman having a snowguy buddy. The book is well worth reading regardless of how you interpret it.

My 3 yr old son absolutely loves this book and I was pleasantly surprised with the simple rhyming story and how nice it reads aloud. I couldn't disagree more with a previous reviewer's insinuation that this book is depicting a hidden sexual message simply because the two snowmen are male at the end. Last time I checked two men ("snow" or of any other type) can be friends without it meaning anything else. Ridiculous. Like I said, a great inexpensive read - words flow beautifully and the pictures are sweet and great for kids.

PreS-K. "One small snowflake fluttering down- that's all you need for a snowman. EXCEPT." Alice Schertle uses rhyming, catchy text in describing how to make a snowman. The use of the word "EXCEPT" encourages children to listen closely as they wait for the page to turn. The watercolor paintings help tell the story of neighborhood children working together to build a larger than life snowman. The children, dressed in colorful clothing "pat them and pack them and roll them around," and then, that "one big ball," seems to be larger than a house. The finished snowman is so large the book needs to be turned sideways to see it. These beautiful paintings along with the fun text keep the energy alive in this book. A great book for a snow or snowman themed storytime!

This book, with its inviting watercolors and wonderful use of words is a new favorite of mine. A snowman, built very simply yet lovingly by a neighborhood full of children is perfect for a warm cuddle with your favorite toddler.A perfect picture book.