Readers can almost hear boots crunching in the snow during this subtle, stylish wintry nature walk. A boy and his dog move from tree to leafless tree as the text describes the different shapes, textures and growth habits of their discoveries. The juxtaposition of words describing the trees and the images of boy and dog either making snow angels or a snowman together provides a needed playfulness to the quiet, informational and at times somewhat clunky rhymes. Evans’s clean, nostalgic illustrations combine block print, collage and watercolor perfectly to invoke the peacefulness of newly fallen snow, bringing to mind, in the best way, a letterpress holiday greeting card. The simplicity of the illustrations sometimes foregoes the details of the trees for the sake of their muted and sophisticated style. It wouldn’t serve as a field guide, nor is it meant to, but still works for the nature lover. A short glossary of trees is included in the back. Overall, a visually striking, cozy winter read. (Picture book. 4-7)
