Snowy Mittens

September 15, 2023
A Black family enjoys a day in the snow. One to four alliterative words on each spread frame the scenes in this action-based adventure for very young children. A parent helps a toddler close a coat against the cold, while nearby, a big sibling and another parent build a snowman. The children complete the snowman while birds and squirrels watch from a nearby tree. Next, the family brings out a sled, and three family members climb a "HUGE / HIGH / HILL" before sledding back down. Ice-skating and a snowball fight complete the day before the "haul / home," where a warm fire glows and cocoa is savored while the "WILD / WIND" blows outside in the dark. An author's note about squirrels and a final endpaper that shows the children near the same tree in spring cue readers to go back and observe the animals' activities throughout. The text, printed in a large, bold font in capital letters, uses stand-alone words to label objects, activities, and feeling, perfect for encouraging language development in toddlers and helping preschoolers learn to read. Lovely in their simplicity, the illustrations show soft colors and careful compositions to create a visual narrative that children will enjoy following closely. Perfect for a snuggle at the end of a cold day, this beautiful vision of Black joy and winter fun has classic appeal. A cozy treat. (Picture book. 1-4)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.