Module #2: The Snow Day

Module #2:  The Snow Day

Book Summary:

The Snow Day, by Ezra Jack Keats, is a classic children’s book, as well as a Caldecott Medal winner. Keats is also the illustrator of this picture book. The narration is minimal; the main character is a little boy named Peter whose amazement at the first snow fall is easily seen by his posture and head poses. This is the story of a little boy and his adventures and discoveries on a first snow day.

APA Reference of Book:

Keats, E. J. (1962). The Snow Day. New York, NY: Viking Penguin Inc.

Impressions:  When I first read the book it looked like a simple book that any child could enjoy and relate to, or hope to one day relate to as it never snows in Los Angeles.  When I realized the publication year was 1962, it made me realize that this book was published during the Civil Rights Movement.  The main character is African American or ethnic, due to his dark complexion.  It made me think that the author - a white Caucasian male - was trying to not only show this boy’s fascination with snow, but also comment on races being the same, as in sharing the same feelings of joy and wonder.  Also, it made me think that maybe Peter had experienced segregation hardships, but this snow day was a day to simply enjoy the impartial snow.

Professional Review:

In this mood book, never static but sparkling with atmosphere in lovely water-color pictures, a small boy experiences the joys of a snowy day. The brief, vividly expressed text points out his new awareness of the sight and texture of snow (the crunch, crunch of his feet making tracks), the sound (the plop of snow smacked off a tree with a stick), and the fun of playing with snow — then his thinking and thinking about the outdoor adventures later in warm bathtub and bed, while more snowflakes fall. Perfect for a snowy day’s preschool story hour. VIRGINIA HAVILAND

From the February 1963 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.

Haviland, V. (1963, February 5). Review of the snowy day. Retrieved September 10, 2016, from http://www.hbook.com/1963/02/choosing-books/reviews/review-of-the-snowy-day/

Library Uses:

This book can be use as a learning tool to show the different season, this book in particular can be used for winter. This book can also be use to teach colors as they illustrations are simple with bold colors.  This book can additionally be use to highlight outdoor activity and sports.