The Snowy Day Review

The Snowy Day











Bibliography

Keats, E.J. (1962) The Snowy Day. Puffin Books.  ISBN-13: 978-0-14-050182-7


Summary:

Peter wakes up to discover it had snowed overnight. He puts on his snowsuit and heads outside. He walks making patterns with his feet, then drags his feet, and grabs a stick to make new tracks. More adventures ensue until he returns back to his warm home with a snowball in his pocket for tomorrow. He reflects on the day and then dreams that the snow is melted by the sun. He wakes up and the snow is still there so he ventures out with a friend.  


Critical Analysis:

The story provides a sense of adventure and wonder. Younger readers will enjoy this picture book which shows all the snow activities Peter enjoys. Children of color will identify with Peter as this was the first full-color picture book to have a young black primary character. The sentences are simple so that younger elementary readers will enjoy reading it. 


As an illustrator, Ezra Jack Keats  The Snowy Day's illustrations rely on a combination of collaged decorative paper, fabric and cloth. Readers will be drawn to the pastel colors that imitate the softness of snow in comparison to Peter’s bright red snowsuit. The simplicity of the illustrations matches the wonderment of Peter discovering snow for the first time. 


Professional Review:
Horn Book Guide (September, 1996)

Because of the boldness of Keats's graphic images, this classic story about a small boy experiencing the joys of a snowy day works well as a board book. The shiny pages even enhance the effect of the collagelike art. Nevertheless, the story seems better suited to a picture-book audience.

Connections:

Students can learn about character traits and sequence the story, The picture above is from Teachers Pay Teachers. 

Students can create a paper snowflake or snow out of glue and shaving cream.


Similar books: 

Srinivasan, Divya. Little Owl’s Snow. ISBN: 0670016519

Yee, Wong Herbert. Tracks in the Snow. ISBN: 978-0312371340

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