Snow Day by Komako Sakai

I was intrigued by Elizabeth Bird's excitement at the approaching publication of this book and added it to the slew of snow books I purchased for our library.

I'm definitely glad I added this one - it feels like it has the possibilities of a new classic. In some ways, I'm irresistably reminded of Jack Keats' Snowy Day - the simple wonder of a small child experiencing snow, the quiet, almost isolationist feel of the story, the reflective quality of the prose. However, this is not a copy-cat tale by any means. Sakai's little rabbit is much more vocal than Keats' character, and the illustrations are in strong earth colors, showing the quiet emptiness of snow days. Little rabbit is not alone, but with his mother. Together they experience a peaceful day alone, then go outside to play in the snow at night. This will be a perfect story for snowy days, quiet days, and times in-between when you need a calming story-friend.

Verdict: Highly recommended, a definite must for your picture book shelves.


ISBN: 978-0545013215; Published January 2009 by Arthur A. Levine; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library; Added to my personal wishlist