Here's a beautiful book by Cynthia Rylant that you DON'T want to miss. Plus! Three fun follow-up activities.
Written: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrations: Lauren Stringer
Publishing: Harcourt Books, 2008,
Ages: 5 to 12
Themes: Snow, Imagery, Realistic Fiction
Brief Synopsis: This is a beautiful look at a day in the life of a young child and her elderly grandmother. It explores different kinds of snowy days and how they make you feel. It also briefly touches upon the fragility and impermanence of life: "And the snow, while it is here, reminds us of this: that nothing lasts forever except memories."
Why I Like This Book: The illustrations are soft and dreamy. The text is typical of Cynthia Rylant, with a lovely rolling feel to it. This book just makes you feel peaceful.
1. A fabulous 4-page activity guide with pre and post-reading questions, plus math, science and art extensions!
2. Here's a sweet snowy art project you can find at Deep Space Sparkle.
LOve those paintings!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! That art is FANTASTIC! (might have to steal it) ;)
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of that book before, but the language sounds beautiful!
Jen
Runde's Room
That Snow book looks beautiful. Definitely going to have to look into adding that to my collection.
ReplyDelete♥ Dragonflies in First ♥
Barbara, that polar bear painting has me speechless. What talent! I'd be happy to hang that on any wall in my house... I too love the lyrical, gentleness of this book. Great choice!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Cynthia Rylant amazing? I didn't realize there was a book activity guide. Thanks for the the link!
ReplyDeleteDee
First Impressions
This book sounds beautiful, Barbara! I love Cynthia Rylant, and this looks like a lovely quiet, dreamy book, just like those peaceful snowfalls. I love your suggested activity. And that polar bear - WOW! A first-grader? That is truly impressive! Thanks so much for sharing this worthy addition to our list!
ReplyDeleteThe opening was enough to hook me. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention.
ReplyDeleteSomehow, I missed commenting on your book, or it appeared added after I checked out the list. I love Cynthia Rylant's book "Snow," it has such a pristine nature about it. And it is so lyrical. Very nice choice for cold weather. And, I can't believe a child drew the polar bear! WOW -- a budding artist.
ReplyDeleteCynthia Rylant is awesomely lovely!!!!!!!!! I'll have to get this book.
ReplyDeleteAnd I cannot believe that a first grader did the polar bears. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *sigh* I can't even draw a stick figure. *envious* :-)
*waving*
Barbara, this is a great choice-my teachers are looking for "snow" picture books this time of year-I have a pretty sizeable Cynthia Rylant collection, but I didn't recognize this book-we opened the library on 2007 and must have just missed this one in our opening collection. Will have to add it for sure-looks great! Thanks so much!!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds wonderful -- and like so many others, I am absolutely astonished at the polar bear art piece! wow.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara!
Thanks for all your sweet comments, everyone! They're very much appreciated :)
DeleteJust wanted to let you know that I had my kids do the painting with one red object and a tree and snow after our unit on The Snowy Day and Ezra Jack Keats. It was awesome. I love doing art with them about literature. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFirst in Maine