Look! Snow! - Hardcover

This book's minimal text (the title phrase and a school cancellation announcement on the radio) gives full rein to the colorful, swirling images of first-time illustrator Montezinos. From the initial scene of the youngsters snug in their classroom to the outdoor scenes of them sledding and making angels in the snow, this impressionistic work suggests the perspective of children intoxicated by the season's first snowfall. Particularly effective is the center spread, which depicts two siblings seeing the snow-laden landscape for the first time in the morning: everything seems weighted down by a blanket of white. The warm, richly hued colored-pencil pictures are reminiscent of Deborah Kogan Ray's work; however, Montezinos's paintings are driven by unusual perspectives, which give the book a particular sense of movement. A fresh glimpse of a familiar occurrence. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

PreSchool-Grade 1-- Excitement about a potential snow day begins in the classroom on a winter afternoon. Snow continues through the night, and finally the welcome report of school closing is broadcast on television. Then the day is given to sledding, making snow angels, and sipping cocoa. Because the story is almost wordless, it may take several readings of the pictures to discover that the teacher and the bus driver enjoy the unexpected holiday as much as the children do. But Montezinos's colored-pencil and oil-stick pictures are certainly worth more than one look. She helps readers share the delight and enthusiasm a large snowfall generates. The book will be ideal for story hours as it will spark recollections of past winter experiences and stir anticipation for possible snow days to come. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.