First Snow

by Peter McCarty, Peter McCarty (Illustrator)

Overview

First Snow is the newest picture book from acclaimed Caldecott Honor–winning author-illustrator Peter McCarty, which extends the winning world of animal characters established in Chloe, a Kids' Indie Next List Pick and Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book, and Henry in Love, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book.

It's a day of firsts for Pedro . . . First snowfall. First snow angel. First taste of a snowflake. First sled run. First snowball fight!

All the joy, magic, and wonder of a child's first experiences are captured in this breathtaking picture book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062189967
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	01/06/2015
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	AD440L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Peter McCarty has written and illustrated several acclaimed books for children, including Chloe, which received four starred reviews, and Henry in Love, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. He is also the author and illustrator of Hondo & Fabian, a Caldecott Honor Book and New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, and its sequel, Fabian Escapes; T Is for Terrible; Little Bunny on the Move; and Moon Plane, a Charlotte Zolotow Award winner. Peter lives with his wife and their two children in Clinton Corners, New York, where they get lots of snow.

Peter McCarty has written and illustrated several acclaimed books for children, including Chloe, which received four starred reviews, and Henry in Love, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. He is also the author and illustrator of Hondo & Fabian, a Caldecott Honor Book and New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, and its sequel, Fabian Escapes; T Is for Terrible; Little Bunny on the Move; and Moon Plane, a Charlotte Zolotow Award winner. Peter lives with his wife and their two children in Clinton Corners, New York, where they get lots of snow.

Editorial Reviews

…[a] sweetly pared-down story about adapting…[McCarty] gives each [furry creature] a subtle individuality that evokes unexpected emotion.

The New York Times Book Review - Maria Russo

McCarty’s characteristic, ever-so-delicate shading gives the faces of his roly-poly creatures substance and softness. His sly, Dick-and-Jane prose (”It is cold,” Pedro keeps saying) makes this a rewarding readaloud.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A message emphasizing the importance of trying new things is unobtrusively folded in, but most of all, readers will come away with a genuine sense of fun and the joy of family and friends. A delightful winter excursion.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

From the Publisher

2014-10-01
Why does everyone seem to love snow? Pedro's cousins are as eager to go out and play in the snow as they are to welcome him for a visit. But Pedro isn't so certain. "I have never seen snow. I don't think I will like it," he explains. "Because it is cold. And I don't like cold." McCarty's finely drawn furry characters pop out from minimalist backgrounds and, as usual, exude personality, warmth and wonder. They beautifully depict Pedro as he gradually learns how to play with his cousins and experiences snow for the very first time, the simple, straightforward text allowing the pictures to be the focus. Despite trepidation, Pedro dresses up in winter clothing but stands back as his cousins make snow angels and join some neighborhood children for some sledding. When it's Pedro's turn, however, he decides to give sledding a try. Will he change his mind about snow? Fans of Chloe (2012) and Henry in Love (2010) will recognize some of Pedro's new friends, while those unfamiliar with the other books will have a most pleasant surprise in store as they meet McCarty's community of realistic, kindhearted and gently humorous creatures. Children will easily identify with Pedro's hesitation as well as his triumph over his fears, while the subtle patience and acceptance offered by the other youngsters provides a nice balance. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews