The Snowman's Song A Christmas Story

If you were a snowman in the park, what would you want to do at Christmas time? In this cute holiday story, snow people can't talk, but they can send their thoughts without making a sound. The little snowman sends a thought to his mother that he wants to sing, to go `a caroling,' to rejoice like the human children. But while she understands his concern, his mother reminds him that snow people can't sing. Although he feels very sad, with the help of a tiny bright bird, a small girl, and the wind, he finds that he can make beautiful music after all. How does he do it? Author Marilee Joy Mayfield, with her gentle, poetical text, and illustrator Tracy La Rue Hohn, with her gorgeous watercolor drawings, have combined their talents to create what has the potential to become a Christmas classic read aloud. Children not only will be entertained by a fun tale but also will be encouraged to dream and to do what they can to achieve their dreams. Other books by Mayfield include The Golden Cricket: A Story of Luck and Prosperity, Crabby Lessons, The Tiny Adventures of Big Sister and Little Sister, Big Sister, Little Sister, and Sweet Sister Memories. The Snowman's Song is a book that both young and old will enjoy, and it includes a CD read by the author. Also, for every book purchased, a book will be given to a needy child. (There is one reference to "our Savior's birth.")

The Snowman's Song--A Christmas Story with Audio CD, written by Marilee Joy Mayfield and illustrated by Tracy La Rue Hohn, is a beautiful story about hope and believing in one's self. Everyone knows that snowmen can't speak, let alone sing, yet one little snowman prays and yearns to be able to sing Christmas carols, just like human children do. "I want my voice to be bright, happy and loud so all the people and creatures of the earth will hear my proud hymn to our Savior's birth," the snowman cries out. With the encouragement of a red cardinal and the love of a kind child, will he be able to find his voice and make his dreams come true? This is a beautifully illustrated story with the pictures conveying all the emotion of the story. The storyline is wonderful, reminding us that we need to believe and to have hope, miracles do happen! As a licensed counselor, I love the many positive messages in the book, such as this one, "I just know before you can change who you are you have to believe. Feel it deep in your heart. Think strong thoughts in your mind. Even when there is no hope, you must see a star." Such wonderful thoughts to put in a young child's mind! Both of my girls love this book. Because of the lovely message, it is appropriate for both boys and girls, of young and old. Along with the book is an audio CD of the author reading the story with a lovely melody playing in the background. My only complaint is that the CD has a bit of static, but it didn't seem to bother my children. I received a copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher, Leaping Antelope Productions, to write an honest review. I received no compensation, monetary or otherwise, for this review.

I bought this book for my little goddaughter, but I couldn't bear to part with it and so had to order a second copy. It's the type of story that casts a spell with its rhythms and rhymes, and wears its heart on its sleeve. I love the unabashed spirituality of its message--it's one of the few Christmas books I've seen whose author remembers the reason for the season. But I can't imagine anyone of any faith, child or adult, who wouldn't be taken with this, by the sheer gorgeousness of its words and illustrations. Buy it for the kids in your life to encourage them to find their own voices and sing their own songs, but don't forget one for yourself. After all, everyone is a child, or wants to be, at Christmastime!