THE SNOW BLEW INN
by Dian Curtis Regan & illustrated by Doug Cushman
A joyous look at generosity and hospitality as a snowstorm packs the Snow Blew Inn.
That same storm delays Emma’s sleepover with her cousin, Abby, but doesn’t stop a flood of travelers who need lodging, despite the “No Vacancy” sign. Emma cheerfully pitches in to help Mama with the extra chores that all the stranded travelers bring with them, but she finds no fun in the crowded camaraderie that arises among the guests, without Abby there to share it with her. Continually on the lookout for her cousin’s arrival, Emma only spies more travelers. After Emma takes Mama’s generous example to heart and gives up her own room to the remaining stragglers, mother and daughter cozily settle in by the fire on a made-up bed and get one last surprise—the sleepover can finally begin. And with all the crowding in the inn, the two girls have a new friend to share their sleepover with, as well. Cushman’s pen, ink and watercolor illustrations are filled with cheerful, expressive anthropomorphized animals reminiscent of Richard Scarry’s. Emma’s emotions are plain on her face, from hope and disappointment to elation.