Book Review: When It Snows by Richard Collingridge

When It Snows by Richard Collingridge

Hardcover, US, 32 pages

Published August 27th 2013 by Feiwel & Friends (first published September 27th 2012)

When it snows, magic happens. Follow a boy and his teddy bear on a wondrous snowy adventure which will lead readers of all ages to a surprising place.

When It Snows is a beautifully illustrated picture book by writer and illustrator Richard Collingridge. The mighty pictures draw the reader in as eyes soak up the wintry palette of whites, grays, and blues. Our narrator is a young boy and his trusty teddy bear as we experience his world during a snow day. But this is no regular day off. The snow blankets not only his immediate space but hills, trails and mountains. We follow his trek as he walks outside, placing his smaller feet into much bigger prints. He passes by cross-country skiers and kids on the backs of polar bears. Yes, I said polar bears and it's these types of images--captured with a touch of whimsy in their glorious innocence--which take one's breath away. For a picture book with a small word count, the power of the images is dynamic, exciting, and for little eyes, pure magic. 

Our protagonist goes on a wondrous adventure from day till night, from polar bears to fairies, elves and other 'magical creatures' and we go along this special trek, enraptured by the glorious colors and images. The last double page spread of When It Snows will illicit laughs and smiles, as well as I believe, instant fans of a talented illustrator and storyteller named Richard Collingridge. I loved it.

Rating: 5

Cover comment:

The eyes of the child gracing the cover say it all: enter and be transported to a magical place.

Book source:

I received a promotional copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.