"A pickle for a nose,
bagel halves for ears,
lychee buttons,
flower-bouquet hair ... "
Now that the kids are out for Christmas break, I am not likely to be watching much snowman building at the K-8 school across the street. I will have to wait until January. It's always great fun to watch them work together when the snow is just right. This wordless picture book celebrates the arrival of enough snow to get a young child eager to pile on snow clothes and head out the door with her grandfather.
While he makes room for himself on a park bench where he can sit and knit socks, she makes angels in the newly-fallen snow before starting to build a snowman. She's working hard on her own when she is bowled over by the sheer weight of the middle-sized ball needed. Another child, who has been observing her work, comes to her rescue and steps up to help. While doing so, his hat blows off and away. The girl retrieves it with the help of another of the children in the park. Now, there are three at work. Very soon, others join in putting the snowman together.
It takes no time more people and animals to offer their help. Features are added that attract attention, with many stepping up to admire the ever-changing snowman. As the crowd grows, so does the camaraderie between all in attendance. When a veteran adds a poppy to the snowman's chest, he is warmly welcomed and offered a seat on the bench. There he becomes the recipient of a number of needed articles; most of which come from what was shared to create a very fine community snowman.
No words are needed to offer a lovely winter story of connections and compassion. Using watercolor, Micron pen and Photoshop, Ms. Modeweg-Hansen interprets Ms. Kerbel's story with imagery that allows young readers to watch carefully what is happening. Using variety in perspective, multicultural park visitors, expressive characters, and numerous fine details to hold attention, she ensures that they will see the kindness of the community and the value found in teamwork.
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