Dream Snow

I enjoyed this book more thatn any other Eric Carle books I've read. I love how the little old farmer names his animals, one, two, three, four, five because he can count them on his hand! After work he realizes Christmas is coming soon but there is no snow. While napping in his favorite chair he dreams of snow falling, covering him and all of his animals. Realizing when he awakens that it actually did snow he rushes out to the barn. While all the animals watch him wondering what it is he is doing he decorates a tree and puts presents for all the animals out. The song at the end also adds a fun touch to the book, that all children will enjoy! The pictures in this book represent Eric Carle's style, unique, colorful and interesting! This book is a great one to read with children around the holidays to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Toy book--joy book, Carle hits a home-run again. Follow the farmer and his animals--named after numbers because he can count them on one hand, through a dream of snow falling on the barnyard. The reality of a snowfall intrudes on their lives and a hustle begins over something he has forgotten. Overlays complete the illusion of snow covering all it comes in contact with and our young audience uncovers each animal to ensure its well-being. A musical sound effect ending the story celebrates Christmas. Bright poster paint montage cut-outs fill the pages to create a warm and inviting texture to the story as it unfolds. The folk art is child-like yet filled with wonderful touches of details that overall create a satisfying balance. Children will come back to it again and again.

I just read this book to both of my preschool classes and it was a hit! They were so quiet when I read it to them. The beautiful song that ends the book was a delight to them. I originally bought this book for my niece for a Christmas present but I am going to keep it for the class!

Eric Carle's new picture book Dream Snow introduces the farmer, who lives with his five farm animals, named One, Two, Three, Four, Five and his tree, simply named The Tree. It's almost Christmas and it hasn't snowed yet. So one evening, the farmer sits in his favorite chair, has a cup of peppermint tea and some bread with honey, dozes off and begins to dream of snow. When he awakens, he finds that it actually has snowed. So, he bundles up in hat, boots and gloves, grabs a big box, throws a sack over his shoulder and, looking very familiar, heads out to the barn. There he decorates The Tree and along with his farm animals, poised to push a button, wishes "Merry Christmas to All". What makes this simple little book so special, is Mr Carle's wonderfully inventive illustrations. He has painted his snow flakes and drifts on clear plastic, inserted before each page, which when lifted reveals the farmer or one of his animals on the page below. And as the farmer is wishing all a Merry Christmas, your youngsters can help by him by pushing the button, to hear a holiday song. This is a charming, gentle story the entire family will love and a sure classic in years to come.

This is the best Eric Carle ever - at least I think so as does my favorite 6-year old! Mr. Carle's pictures are as bright and shiny as the sparkliest ornaments on a Christmas tree, and the book is full of surprises (none of which will be revealed so as not to spoil the fun). Let's just say they're to be found in the book's ingenious construction. This unique construction even includes music at the end - a perfect, happy, holiday conclusion. Also, the batteries are replaceable so the book can be enjoyed for many seasons to come as young and old return again and again to the farmer who had a dream. Thank you, Eric Carle!