Snow Comes to the Farm

During a snowstorm, a farm child goes to the woods to watch the ground turn white, observe animal tracks, and spot an owl gliding through the trees. By the illustrator of Crab Moon.

reS-Gr 2-A first winter snowfall, as experienced by a small boy and his older brother on their farm long ago, is recalled in this thoughtful mood piece. As the two boys make their way to the owl woods to await the start of the storm, they observe the changes in nature with the approaching weather. The sky grows darker, the pines give off a pungent smell, and the loud cawing of crows has hushed as the first flakes begin to fall. A sense of peace envelops the woods, despite the growing intensity of the snow. Finally, as evening draws near, the warmth of home offers welcome relief as the children relate the day's experiences over hot cocoa. Evocative oil paintings complement the lyrical text and reemphasize the silent beauty of winter.

Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Ages 4-8. A boy remembers a snowstorm on the family farm in evocative and rich language. He describes the family farmhouse in a valley and explains how all the animals seem to know the snow is coming. His older brother takes him to the pinewoods, and they build a small fire and hope for a glimpse of an owl. The snow starts--small at first--but then "one by one, the flakes fill the cups of fallen leaves." The owl appears, silent as the smoke from their fire, and they trudge home, guided by the warm light from the kitchen. The text floats over full-page oils, sturdy and nostalgic images, their careful geometry keeping them from fluffiness or sentimentality. GraceAnne DeCandido
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