Who Will Make the Snow?

This cozily domestic chapter book by married team the Prokhaskos opens on the first day of spring, when twins Crawly and Purl are born to an already sizable mole family. Papa Mole writes for forest newspaper The Daily Mole; Mama Mole plays the double bass, "studied various languages, grew orchids, jumped on a trampoline"; and Crawly and Purl's siblings provide companionship. Low-key forest adventures follow in seven chapters, accompanied by lively discussion. Papa Mole finds a strange egg, and two birds swoop in to save the chick that hatches; Purl learns to swim and saves a small mole in the river; and the family takes in a leveret born out of season. The title refers to a philosophical debate: Mama says that after moles die, "heavenly moles make the snow," a group of owlets, meanwhile, believe that their ancestors make it. While a character called Mute Marten sells "exotic" African fruits, chatty, seasonally focused text translated by Dralyuk and Croft describes a world in which conflict stays largely mole-sized and manageable, while softly colored, scribbly line drawings provide glimpses of mole home life, including neat lines of drying underwear and a simmering cauldron of quince jam. Ages 7-11. (Nov.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"This sweet, strange and quietly philosophical illustrated chapter book follows a year in the life of the newborn twin moles Purl and Crawly, who live in a whimsically imagined woodland community . . . Akin in spirit and tone to A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh and Tove Jansson's Moomin series, its narrative takes its time, stopping to appreciate the changing seasons and everyday moments of cozy family life, all enchantingly illustrated with soft, scribbly drawings . . . Subtle hints of anxiety, melancholy and even existentialism underpin the cuteness. — Catherine Hong, The New York Times

"Originally published in Ukraine, this sweet, strange, lightly philosophical book, illustrated with soft, scribbly drawings, features newborn twin moles who live in a whimsically imagined woodland community. The title comes from the moles' belief that when they die they will rise to the clouds and make the snow for those left behind." — The New York Times (best children's books of 2023)

"In this tale originally published in Ukraine, mole twins born on the first day of spring discover a generally welcoming world outside their burrow as the seasons pass . . . Animal residents gather at the Under the Oak Café to peruse the gossipy Daily Mole, which Papa Mole compiles and types up, while Mama Mole makes quince jam and leads her large family, including little Purl and Crawly, out in autumn to sketch the changing trees while she plays her double bass . . . A stormy autumn flood provides some mild danger, but overall this short chapter book makes for cozy, peaceable reading." — Kirkus Reviews

"This cozily domestic chapter book by married team the Prokhaskos opens on the first day of spring, when twins Crawly and Purl are born to an already sizable mole family . . . Forest adventures follow in seven chapters, accompanied by lively discussion . . . A world in which conflict stays largely mole-sized and manageable, while softly colored, scribbly line drawings provide glimpses of mole home life, including neat lines of drying underwear and a simmering cauldron of quince jam." — Publishers Weekly

"Marjana Prokhasko's illustrations are beautifully textured and atmospheric. The characters draw you into their whimsical world, a place I would like to stay! There are so many sweet details throughout - a feast for the eyes and a delight for the inquisitive reader (or mole)!" — Esmé Shapiro, author of Alma and the Beast

"Beech Forest has the same Utopian charm of the Hundred Acre Wood and Moominvalley, and like those settings I would very much like to settle down, read the news in The Daily Mole, and visit friends at Under the Oak Cafe. It's not that nothing bad happens here, it's just that life's movements follow the seasons and all challenges are faced bravely and in community. Taras's story has the feel of a classic with a contemporary generosity, especially thanks to a lift from Dralyuk and Croft's superb translation, and Marjana's textured illustrations are expressive, often gorgeous, and full of delightful details." — Timothy Otte, Wild Rumpus Books, Minneapolis

"In a small community that feels a bit like the Hundred Acre Wood, a large family of moles—which called to mind my father's enormous Catholic family of origin—welcomes a pair of twins. It is spring, and the book will follow the family through the rest of the seasons with a delightful series of vignettes. The stories are incredibly charming and wholesome, timeless yet feminist (see Mama Mole). The illustrations are stunning—unique and unforgettable. Over the course of a year, the two youngest moles learn so much—namely, how to be brave. Who Will Make the Snow? is a standout treasure. Bonus points: it introduced me to both an intriguing Ukrainian writer and an intriguing Ukrainian visual artist." —Mary Wahlmeier Bracciano, Raven Bookstore, Lawrence, KS

"The illustrations by Marjana Prokhasko are stunning and detailed, capturing the beauty and diversity of the forest. The colors are vibrant and inviting, creating a sense of wonder and joy. The text is simple and engaging . . . The book also includes a glossary of Ukrainian words at the end, which adds to the cultural richness and authenticity of the story . . . A perfect choice for families who want to share a cozy and uplifting read with their children." — Momma Braga

"As a seemingly gentle story proceeds, significant events and challenges occur that show the animals' resilience, courage, and camaraderie . . . From the whimsical text to the soft yet vibrant illustrations, this charming chapter book brings to life the Mole family dynamics, the woodland community, and seasonal changes. Who Will Make the Snow? would be a cozy addition to any family or classroom library." — Michelle Nott