Snow (Seasons with Granddad)

PreS-Gr 2--A young boy wakes up to find the world covered in pure, white snow. Frantic to go outside, he gets dressed in record time only to discover that Granddad isn't ready! Mundane adult tasks, such as showering and getting the proper clothing on, delay his longed-for departure. His panic builds as he watches the blanket of virgin snow get trampled by a single child, followed by a crowd of friends, and then a pack of dogs. Growing ever more frustrated, the poor kid actually thinks that he sees a monkey running across the snow, but that can't be, can it? After an agonizing wait, boy and Granddad head out to play and encounter not only his friends but an elephant, ostrich, and other outlandish animals culminating in a great and wacky snow day for all. Kids will easily relate to the excruciating wait for fun when grown-ups are involved. The appearance of the exotic animals playing in the snow (the result of the boy's stuffed animals coming to life) is jarring and took a second reading to grasp. Usher's gorgeous illustrations in ink and watercolor complement the story to a tee. VERDICT An outrageous outdoor romp to add to storytimes about snow and winter fun.--Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, St. Joseph, MI

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

An energetic, ginger-haired boy can't wait to play out in the snowy park, but his grandfather takes so long to get ready that the whole neighborhood gets there first--even a crew of animals. An elephant, ostrich, giraffe, walrus, penguin, and monkeys all play around with the boy, his grandfather, and the other children ("Grandad won the snowball fight six slushings to four"). While the story is featherlight, Usher's ink-and-watercolor cartoons have a loose energy that plants them firmly in the Quentin Blake tradition. In keeping with the anything-can-happen sense of possibility that governs snow days, Usher leaves it to readers to decide whether the animals are real or imagined. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Snow has a way of reshaping our reality, and it's in that sensation of wonder that Usher's truth lies. He has created the feeling that when it snows, something unexpected and magical might lurk outdoors; perhaps even a hippo or two.
—The New York Times

With toys coming to life, all the fun in the snow, and the lovely child-grandparent relationship, this is a welcome addition to the winter bookshelf.
—Kirkus Reviews

Usher's gorgeous illustrations in ink and watercolor complement the story to a tee. An outrageous outdoor romp to add to storytimes about snow and winter fun.
—School Library Journal

The ink-and-watercolor illustrations are expressive and convey the allure of a white-swathed, winter wonderland...This slight yet pleasing story will have readers wishing for a snowfall of their own.
—Booklist

While the story is featherlight, Usher's ink-and-watercolor cartoons have a loose energy that plants them firmly in the Quentin Blake tradition.
—Publishers Weekly

In this exuberant picture book in watercolor and ink, British illustrator Sam Usher captures the delicious sense of anticipation of a snow day, then adds elephants and monkeys and "all the games you can play in the snow" to launch it into the stratosphere.
—Shelf Awareness