THE SNOWBALL FIGHT

Snow lovers carpe a wintry diem.

Snowflakes fall on a sparse landscape, stippling the wide-open space with Arctic white. Though the first flurries are gentle, the pace soon picks up, and it’s not long before a pair of homes sit under a rimy blanket, thickly cloaked in the sparkling drift. When the blizzard subsides, the world is whisper-quiet, the glacial scene all negative space and polar peace…that is, until the titular battle commences. Tearing onto the scene with a celebratory shout, a pair of gleeful young neighbors—one tan-skinned, one brown-skinned—certainly won’t be squandering this snow day. They set to work constructing their frozen forts, stocking their icy armories, and prepping for a skirmish to end all snowball fights, good-natured nemeses in this frigid fray. But after a close call with a minor avalanche, the buddies breach their battle lines to dabble in more collaborative wintertime pursuits. Sledding gives way to snow-angel making before the duo round out the cozy day with a cocoa toast. Ferry’s rhyming text is sharp and simple, perfectly measured for seasonal storytimes, and the same rings true for Lichtenheld’s unfussy, cartoonish artwork, the effect of which nails nostalgia without schmaltz. Wintertide enthusiasts will find inspiration in this perfect snow day itinerary.

A charming read for frosty days.