Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2012 Picture Books About Ice and Snow


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Cover art for SNOW DAY FOR MOUSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Judy Cox, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

"Readers will look forward to taking this snow-day romp again and again. (Picture book. 4-8)"
In his fourth outing (Haunted House, Haunted Mouse, 2011, etc.), Mouse has a snowy adventure that could easily make the jump to being a wordless Pixar short. Read full book review >
Cover art for CAN'T WE SHARE?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012

"Still, in this day and age of lice, parents may wish the snowmen shared something other than hats. (Picture book. 3-6)"
This sharing lesson is about as didactic as they come. Read full book review >
Cover art for SNOWMAN MAGIC
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
by Katherine Tegen, illustrated by Brandon Dorman

This tale of a constructed friend charms with its magic and imagination. Read full book review >
Cover art for SNOWZILLA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
by Janet Lawler, illustrated by Amanda Haley

"Ultimately like Snowzilla--fluff. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Community dissension and compromise are brought down to a kid's level in this tale of a giant snowman. Read full book review >
Cover art for COLD SNAP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

"This may not be the most exciting or enthralling winter tale, but it is perfect for sharing during readers' own cold snaps--calming, reassuring, charming. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A community caught under the pall of a weeklong cold snap comes together in this cozy, old-fashioned story that is high on both charm and appeal. Read full book review >
Cover art for SNOWMEN AT WORK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012
by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner

"Fans and those looking for books about occupations may find themselves looking askance at every snowman they see. (Picture book. 3-7)"
The Buehners continue their snowmen-come-to-life shtick with this look at occupations. Read full book review >
Cover art for SNOWBOY 1, 2, 3
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012
by Joe Wahman, illustrated by Wendy Wahman

"Count on skipping this one in favor of a celebration of winter that has a more obvious storyline. (Picture book. 3-5)"
Even the sparkles on the cover may not be enough to redeem this wintry counting book, the author's debut. Read full book review >
Cover art for A PERFECT DAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2012
by Carin Berger, illustrated by Carin Berger

"With no story to follow, readers are not likely to ask for rereadings, however masterful the images. (Picture book. 2-5)"
A charmingly illustrated catalog of things to do in the snow, Berger's latest nonetheless lacks a narrative to hold it together. Read full book review >
Cover art for WHY IS THE SNOW WHITE?
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2012
by Heinz Janisch, illustrated by Silke Leffler, translated by Rebecca Morrison

"Humorless and illogical. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A pourquoi tale about how Father Snow sought colors for the snow from the flowers is fodder for a father's winter bedtime tale. Read full book review >
Cover art for TWELVE KINDS OF ICE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 6, 2012

"Irresistible. (Memoir. 6-9)"
Winter on a Maine farm offers the joys of ice in all its forms. Read full book review >
Cover art for RABBIT'S SNOW DANCE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 8, 2012
retold by James Bruchac, Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Jeff Newman

"Kids who are looking forward to a snow day may give Rabbit's chant a try, but hopefully, they will know when to stop. (Picture book. 3-7)"
A long-tailed rabbit who wants a nibble of the highest, tastiest leaves uses his special snow song in the summertime, despite the protests of the other animals. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ICIEST, DICIEST, SCARIEST SLED RIDE EVER!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 9, 2012
by Rebecca Rule, illustrated by Jennifer Thermes

"Parents beware: Children are likely to scout out the highest hill to try to replicate this amazing run. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A young girl's first-person narration brings a New England sled ride to life. Read full book review >
Cover art for A FLOWER IN THE SNOW
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2012
by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Sophie Allsopp

"This friendship tale definitely has a message, but readers may not be able to find it under the snow. (Picture book. 4-7)"
This odd but sweet tale is flavored with a bit of O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi." Read full book review >