The First Snow

"PreS-Gr 2–A beautifully crafted picture book for young children, done through the partnership of Czech creators. A sister and brother are awakened early one Saturday morning by the sun coming through their window. Snow has fallen and the whole world has changed. It is the magic of the first snow. They spend their day outside, playing in the snow. They then get to work and make a snow bear, which takes them on a great adventure. They notice animal tracks in the snow, fill a bird feeder, and discover an ice castle where they find a long-lost treasure. When they return home, their mother is able to join them in the snowy, white magical world. Štumpfová and Mallý are authors of several picture books for young children that celebrate nature and provide teachable moments for parents and educators. Teachers can incorporate this title into their lessons about seasons, and it is great source for building vocabulary words. VERDICT Educators or parents can use this book to encourage and enhance children’s imaginations and to inspire them to start their own first snow traditions." —Laura Ellis, School Library Journal

"When the first snow starts to fall, it's like a fairy tale for all," repeats this awe-filled translation starring two siblings. After Stefan and Agnes awaken to find the world outside their window "covered with a white blanket," the two spend an unhurried morning marveling at winter's transformational effects and relishing the imaginings it inspires. Standard activities such as making snow angels and following animal tracks mingle with more fantastical moments as the pair journey on a snow-built polar bear and discover an ice palace where their greenhouse used to be, building to their mother's joining them in snowy day revels. Lengthy text from Stumpfová and Malý largely sticks to familiar metaphors, while retro-styled artwork by Stumpfová wows with color layering and stamp-like effects, most notably in a lacy spread of the children peeking through the "ice flowers" on the greenhouse window. Skin tones reflect the white of the page. Ages 4-7." —Publishers Weekly

"A brother and sister let their imaginations run wild as they embrace the first snowfall in this cozy picture book. The magic touch of the first snow transforms a greenhouse into an ice castle and a snow sculpture into a friendly polar bear for Stefan and Agnes as they explore their frosted village. The illustrations use pastel tones and soft textures to convey the muted feeling of a snowy day, while the warmth of familial love and care comes through bold and bright." —Danielle Ballantyne, Foreword Reviews

"Ah, now here’s a pretty one. Beautiful palette on this next book. It’s a story that tries to convey that feeling you get when you wake up and the world is entirely covered in white. This comes to us from a pair based out of Prague (and country that knows from snow) and you may possibly remember the illustrator from Red Comet’s How Animals Sleep. It has a bit of a Snowman vibe, if only because a snow creature comes alive and takes the kids in the story in a small, safe adventure. Less sad at the end, though, I’d say." —Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

"The illustrations create a mystical magical winter world in pale colors of blue, white and silver. Use this one in a November storytime when kids are waiting for snow." —Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Youth Services Book Review

"What a beautiful, imaginative, fun book! The soft illustrations and text hold a sense of wonder." —Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company (Seattle, WA), Bookseller 

"This was a fun story full of quite a bit of text and description of this snowy day in a natural world. The illustrations are beautiful and illuminate the snowy landscape on each page. What a perfect story on a cold snowy day with a cup of hot chocolate in one hand and this story in the other." —Lynne Wright, Oregon Coast Youth Book Review

"Charming story that would make a great addition to any library." —Fairfield County District Library, Librarian

"I stepped right from the pages of this book into the memory of what it was like to be a young child in the world. Seeing the a snowy winter day with imagination, curiosity and adventure. I remember staying outside all day and experiencing the transformation of the landscape into a magical wonderland to behold." —Neill Public Library, Librarian

"The muted colors used in the illustrations transport readers to a winter wonderland. The meandering narrative focuses on the magic and transformation that snow brings to a place. By reading books about children from various countries engaging in familiar experiences, like playing in the snow, children’s world views will expand. After reading children may want to go out and explore their own backyards, snow-covered or not, to see what they can discover." —Kids Read the World Blog

"The story weaves itself in and back out of imagination, a beautiful representation of the true freedom of play. A glistening cover pulls you in leading you into a world of splendid artwork lively and free in peaceful pastel hues. A beautiful introduction to little ones and a beautiful reminder to caregivers of the true magic of snow. Wonderful selection for your bedtime routine, calm and gentle and ready to send littles to dreams of a winter wonderland." —Library Must Haves, IG

"What a captivating story for anyone who loves the magic of snow! We love that it brought back so many happy memories of playing in the snow for us and that happiness is shared when we are all together. The illustrations are beautiful too and really captured the colors and illumination of snow!" —Brightwish Books, IG

"Readers will relate to the infinite possibilities and imaginative play opportunities that await Stefan and Agnes, as depicted by the gorgeous, pastel colored illustrations." —Olivia the Librarian, IG