The Snow Dancer
For ages 3-7
Illustrated by Mercè López Published by Two Lions, December, 2020 ISBN: 978-1542093170 32 pages List Price: $17.99 Sofia wakes up to a quiet, white world—it’s a snow day! She makes her way outside to the neighborhood park, where a field awaits her, white and shining and open. It isn’t long before the rest of the neighborhood wakes its sleepy head—and the other kids make their way to the park, scattering all of Sofia’s beautiful silence. But with the help of a new young friend, Sofia is ready to show everyone what a snow dancer can do on a perfect day like this. With lyrical language and gorgeous art, this book sparkles. BUY NOW
|
Kids are saying
|
Adults are Saying |
"I like the Snow Dancer because she makes a friend." -- Mirah, age 5 "Snow Dancer is my favorite. I've never seen a snow dancer before!" -- Foster, age 6 "I like that the Snow Dancer made a friend to skate with. She's really nice." -- Dotty, age 6 |
on the BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR list, Bank Street School of Education "Vivid imagery, onomatopoeia, and supple blue-gradient typography enliven Sofia’s journey as she learns to share her snow day. A dynamic tale of cooperation, adaptation, and friendship.” --Publishers Weekly "An exuberant read-aloud extolling the glory of dance and snow days." - Kirkus Reviews “The text and illustrations work together wonderfully to convey the sights and sounds of a snowy day, as well as the magic and excitement inherent to these unplanned days off of school.” --Booklist |
Story behind the story
I always imagined more adventures for Jazmin, the heroine of my first book The Rain Stomper. But since Jazmin's illustrator, the great Eric Velasquez, was not available to do these pictures, I put another heroine in her place. Sofia is equally creative and determined but not quite so loud as Jazmin. She loves the quiet magic of a new snow day and plenty of space to make her mark. (I grew up in rural Iowa, and there was plenty of snow and open space for my brother and I to take on.) I was absolutely delighted when Mercè López was chosen as the illustrator for this. Snow creates a delicious canvas to illustrate-- but it's also really hard to paint! Mercè makes it look easy, and she gives Sofia and all the other kids totally unique personalities. Happy snow day!