Module 2: The Snowy Day

Book Summary:

     In this colorful and well-loved book, Peter wakes up to discover that snow has fallen all over the city. He is so excited, so he puts on his snowsuit to go explore. He plays in the snow - makes fun tracks, hits snow off tree branches, makes a snowman and snow angels, and slides down a hill. He also puts a snowball in his pocket. When he gets back home, his mom gives him a nice bath. Peter is saddened when he realizes his snowball has disappeared (melted). He becomes overjoyed again when he wakes up the next morning and sees that snow is still covering the ground.

APA Reference of Book:

Keats, E. J. (1962). The snowy day. New York, NY: Viking Press.

Impressions: 

     I didn't realize how old this book was, but it has really kept it's value due to how it captures the beauty of childhood and snowy days. Keats' illustrations are very creative - they almost look like something that's been cut out of cardboard. 

     Even though the story is simple, it is powerful. Keats shows how children love to explore and use their imaginations (Peter explores in the snow all day). The book also captures the innocence of children. For example, Peter wanted to save a snowball in his pocket, not realizing it would melt. The Snowy Day makes me want to be adventurous in the snow the next time winter rolls around. 

     I also found it interesting that the protagonist is a person of color, which wasn't common at the time the book was written. I'm sure this was heart warming to black children as they read it for the first time; they probably felt like they could relate to the book. 

     The way the book is written grabs the audience's attention. For example, "Plop!" makes the audience listen to see what's happening in the book.

     The statement "less is more" really rings true to this book. It's a simple but fascinating story that captures the hearts of all readers. No wonder it's considered a classic book.

Professional Review:

     "Now in a sturdy board-book format just right for youngest readers, Ezra Jack Keats' classic The Snowy Day, winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal, pays homage to the wonder and pure pleasure a child experiences when the world is blanketed in snow."

Publishers Weekly (1996). Review of the book The snowy day, 

     by E. J. Keats. Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from https:// 

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Library Uses:  

     This book could be used for younger children in the library to work on making inferences, or predicting what might happen next. After reading the part about Peter putting the snowball in his pocket, and before turning the page, the librarian could ask the children, "What do you think is going to happen?" Children could write down what they think is going to happen, making sure to explain why they think something may happen (using their background knowledge as well as the illustrations). They could get into partners and share what they wrote. Then, the librarian could finish the story. They could see if their predictions were correct.