PPBF: Best in Snow

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Best In Snow, poetic photo essay about snow

Best in Snow

Written and photographed by April Pulley Sayre

Beach Lane Books, 2016
Ages 3-8, 40 pp


Themes:
Winter, Nature, Science


Opening:
A freeze.
A breeze.
A cloud.
It snows.


Synopsis:
An incredible poetic and photographic journey. The text tells the story of a snowfall in spare, lyrical language. The breathtaking photos capture the snowy woods, the icy branches, squirrels, birds, and deer. I like this even better than its predecessor, Raindrops Roll. Beautiful from start to finish. Includes pages of scientific facts in the back matter, describing how snow flakes form and the snow/water cycle.


What I Love:
I love the rhythm of the page-turns, the sound of the words in my head or read aloud, the stunning photos of the snow-covered trees or the animals startled into stillness. Reading this book, I found myself holding my breath, like I do when I step out into the cold, muffled woods outside my door after a snowstorm. It is a great introduction to science for young readers, and for slightly older readers a doorway to further exploration. This book would be perfect in any home library as a cozy goodnight read or the kind of book kids pick up just to stare at the pages.


Bonus: 
1. Follow the link to You Tube where the Indiana Public Library has posted a video interview with April Sayre.



Raindrops Roll, the predecessor to Best in Snow

2. Michelle at Polliwog on Safari and Carol on Writers' Rumpus each interviewed April during the release of Touch A Butterfly.

3. Empress of Dirt posted a recipe for fake snow and a darling snowman craft.

4. Taste of Home features a snowglobe cake using edible snow, or find the recipe for coconut snow on Uncommon Designs.

5. For a sensory learning experience, Kids Play Box has collected 10 ways to make play snow from all over the internet.

6. Check out other books by April Pulley Sayre. Susanna reviewed Eat like a Bear and Vivian reviewed Raindrops Roll. And for a slightly older audience, The Slowest Book Ever, reviewed by Sue and recommended by me!

7. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.



Reviewed by Joanna

Reviewed by Susanna



Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Julie





Reviewed by Beth

Reviewed by Grade Onederful
and don't miss their review
for The Story of Snow



Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, February 3, 2017 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.