Reviews for Snowman Magic

Frosty isn't the only snowman with the ability to animate himself; after a boy named George carefully builds a snowman, it magically comes to life, too. George and the snowman run and play in the plush snow, but the following morning sees warmer temperatures; by Monday, the snowman is a horribly misshapen lump. Tegen doesn't dwell on such unpleasantness, though (the very next morning, snow is falling again), and Dorman's paintings offer quintessentially wintry delights on every page--one can almost hear George's bright green boots squeaking in the snow. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 2--Tegen's story recalls Raymond Briggs's wordless classic, The Snowman (Random, 1978). In this version, George is, at first, bored watching the blizzard outside. But the next morning, he bundles up and plunges into the deep, fluffy world of white. He proceeds to build a snowman and dress it up with button eyes, a carrot nose, twigs for arms and mouth, a hat, and a scarf. Is it smiling at him? After a snack of cookies and hot chocolate (which the snowman can't drink), George builds a snow cave. He and the animated snowman have a grand time throwing snowballs at each other and racing around the yard until dark. The next day, it is warmer. They play some more, although George notices the snowman is not as peppy. The following day is Monday and George goes to school. By the time he returns home, most of the snow, including his winter friend, has melted. But the next day, it is snowing again, and George is ready to build another snowman. The descriptive story and Dorman's realistic illustrations convincingly capture the boy's wonder and joy of celebrating winter days with a magical friend. George's understanding that his creation will eventually melt but can be built again gives the story an upbeat ending. Although no new ground is broken here, this is a pleasant addition to storytime shelves.--Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT