The Snowy Day

The Snowy Day

 

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

Grade Level: Preschool - 2^nd Grade  
Theme: Playful joy, first snow

 Summary:

This Caldecott Medal winner is a simple, sweet story about a boy named, Peter. When Peter wakes, he is surprised to find that the first snow has fallen. As Peter goes through his day, the reader gets to enjoy through illustrations and easy text Peter’s magical snow-filled adventures; from making snow angels to exploring his own footprints. Naively, Peter even tries to keep a treasured snowball in his pocket! J

 Reflection:

I chose this book quite honestly because it just spoke to me. I am sure it had something to do with it being winter time. J I must confess that this book took me back to my own childhood. I can still remember the magic of the first snow fall each year. I would rush to get my snowsuit on so that I could make snowballs, catch snowflakes on my tongue, or make snow angels, hence the theme: playful joy.  Additionally, the illustrations are outstanding and appear to be created from cutouts, watercolors, and collage. The quiet nature of the artwork certainly makes a big statement. From researching this book, I learned that The Snowy Day was the first full color picture book to feature an African American child.

  Everything seems so much more wondrous to a child; this book evoked great memories!  I would definitely recommend this book to a teacher of preschool through second grade. There are countless activities that could develop from this treasured book.

 Classroom Questions/Ideas:

1.       Connection to Weather: What makes water freeze?

2.       Creating snowflakes