The Snowy Day (Picture Book)

 

1.     

(Photo: Goodreads.com)

  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Keats, Ezra. 1962. THE SNOWY DAY. New York, NY: Viking Press. ISBN 978-0-670-01270-1

2.       PLOT SUMMARY

A young boy wakes up to discover that snow has fallen during the night. He goes on an adventure by himself to explore the winter wonderland. He finds his own adventures, and watches older children play in a way he cannot yet. He returns home and reflects on the day, hopefully the snow won’t be gone. He tries to keep a snowball in his snowsuit pocket as he gets ready for bed, but is saddened when he finds it already gone! He dreams that the sun came out and melted all the snow. The next day he wakes up delighted to find there is more snow and chooses to find a friend to explore with.

3.       CRITICAL ANALYSIS

At first appearance, The Snow Day, appears simple, but the message is complex. When the main character, Peter, is out on his adventure in the snow, the words are a journey through childhood into adolescence. He finds there are things he can do but has to wait until he is older to do what he sees bigger children doing.

The main character is depicted as an African American youth. When the book was published in the 1960’s, this was not the norm, and Keats’ choice was question. But despite protests, the book has become beloved for the relatable plot and images Keats created.

Keats's illustrations, using cut-outs, watercolors, and collage, are strikingly beautiful in their understated color and composition. The cut-outs of the snow make you almost feel the cold winter air and the stillness a new fallen snow has. The bright red suit of the boy stands out on every page, making him stand out in a world of neutral colors.

4.       REVIEWS/ AWARDS

*Caldecott Medal- Winner 1963

*“Keats made Peter’s world so inviting that it beckons us. Perhaps the busyness of daily life in the 21st century makes us appreciate Peter even more—a kid who has the luxury of a whole day to just be outside, surrounded by snow that’s begging to be enjoyed.” —The Atlantic

*"Ezra Jack Keats's 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."—Publisher's Weekly

5.       CONNECTIONS

*This book would be great for a read aloud or to describe attention to detail. The story can be used in the wintertime and students could reflect on activities they do in the winter months.

*Children can make their own snowy scene or create what they do outdoors using art materials like construction paper, cotton balls, and other objects available.

*More books about snow:

Brett, Jan. 1996. THE MITTEN. ISBN: 9780399231094

Sweeney, Linda. 2017. WHEN THE SNOW FALLS. ISBN: 0399547207