The First Snow

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. Stumpfová 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 a 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

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"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. (Aug.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"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

"With lovely illustrations, the wonders of wintery outdoors mixes with the warmth of love. The illustrations really make this read worth picking up and enjoying. Each snowy landscape is done with care and a calming atmosphere, while incorporating the variety and excitement to be found when venturing out into the landscape. The children's activities inspire, awaken curiosity, and invite to play. The details will have young readers coming back time and again to enjoy each scene and, maybe, discover their own ideas and want to head outside. The story invites into the scenes and carries the needed depth to draw in and lead to the warming message at the end. The vocabulary is age appropriate and can be tackled by those sure of their words. As a read-aloud, it does draw out a little long, at times, for more impatient readers/listeners and could use a little more attention in the overall flow. But it is a read to cuddle up with and leads to snow-exploring dreams." —Tonja Drecker, Blogger

"What a beautiful, imaginative, fun book! The soft illustrations and text hold a sense of wonder." —Queen Anne Book Company LLC, Bookseller

"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