We, as readers, already know that snow melts in warm temperatures, but Peter’s reaction is still endearing. And to his dismay, before hoping in bed, he realizes that his snowball has magically disappeared. The most endearing part of this book is when Peter stows away a snowball in his snowsuit before going inside. After an adventurous day, he goes to bed, eager to play with more snow tomorrow. Soon enough, it’s time for him to go home and take off those wet socks. He continues his journey through the neighborhood making a snowman, snow angel, and sliding down a big hill. He contemplates joining a snowball fight, but wisely decides that he’ll wait on this until he is a little bit older. He smacks a tree to watch the snow fall off the covered branches. What does Peter do after seeing the snow? He throws on his bright red snowsuit with the cute, pointed hood, and goes out to play of course! He plays all over his neighborhood making footprints. It is an artistic style that is not used enough in my opinion. I particularly enjoy the collage style illustrations used in this book.

So, I completely understand the wonder of the main character, Peter, upon seeing snow paint his neighborhood a frosty white. This book is always a favorite of mine to read to children when cool, brisk air makes its way into the Lone Star State. Being born and raised in Texas, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen snow while growing up. His work was so impactful an Ezra Jack Keats award was created in 1985 for U.S. The book is also the 1963 Caldecott Medal winner, so Keats definitely had room to brag about both his writing and illustration skills. I, unfortunately, did not read this book until much later in life, but I am glad that I did stumble upon it eventually. This children’s book, published in 1962, was one of the first picture books that showcased a young African American protagonist in a positive light. The Snowy Day, written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats, will always have a special place in my heart.

The snowy day full book