The snow doesn’t stop a little boy and his teddybear from having a big adventure in When it Snows. This beautifully illustrated story includes elements of Christmas that are important to children and celebrates the power of books, reading and imagination.
The Story: A small boy and his teddybear set off on a snowy adventure. They follow footprints, ride on polar bears, visit snowmen, meet a Queen, a giant reindeer and Father Christmas. The boy joins Father Christmas on top of the giant reindeer and on the final page we learn that he can visit this magical land any time (but I don’t want to spoil the ending and tell you how!).
There is very little text in When it Snows, it is the pictures that tell the story and this gives lots of scope for discussion and questions as you read. The double spreads are beautifully atmospheric, the snowy backdrop is followed by sunset then a walk through a gloomy forest. Led by the queen and the light from glowing fairies we meet Father Christmas and his giant, present covered reindeer. Despite the dark, gloomy atmosphere in some of the pictures the little boy has no fear although my daughter cuddles up close when we get to the gloomy forest! The roaring fire and the Christmas tree on the final page are very welcome after the snowy adventure and when I first read the story I wasn’t expecting the twist at the end.
The wonderful illustrations in When it Snows invite you to turn each page to discover what the next part of the adventure will hold. It really is a magical celebration of fantasy and imagination and a lovely Christmas story.
Age Range: 4 to 7
Author / Illustrator: Richard Collingridge
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