Book Review for The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Keats, E. (1962). The snowy day. New York, NY: Puffin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-050182-7

2. PLOT SUMMARY

A little boy named Peter wakes up one morning and decides to play in the snow. Throughout the day, Peter has his own little adventures in the snow. As the day winds down, he tries to save the snow in his pocket for the next day. When he wakes, he realizes that the snow has melted, but brand-new fresh snow has fallen!

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Keats creates a young character that experiences one of the most thrilling, yet free experiences nature has to offer. Set in an urban environment, Peter is a character that exemplifies diversity. His excitement about playing in the snow reminds adults how fun it is to try new things! “Crunch, crunch, crunch, his feet sank into the snow.” Keats’s use of imagery and onomatopoeia only add to the realness of this happy, little book!

Keats’s illustrations throughout the book are imperfectly perfect! The bright colors and geometric shapes draw the reader into Peter’s world. The arts and craftiness of the patchy illustrations makes the book even more charming!

This book encourages the reader to enjoy the simple things in life. To live each day full of excitement for what the day might bring!

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

Winner of Randolph Caldecott Medal, 1963

100 Best Children’s Books of All Time, 2015

Reviewed by Children’s Literature: “Having just gotten up from the dinner table and looked outside, I was shocked to see the ground covered with snow. No thrill for an adult who has to drive a car. But what a contrast when you read about a little boy named Peter who awakens one morning and discovers that snow has fallen overnight.”

5. CONNECTIONS

* This book presents a story that revolves around a multicultural setting. This was unusual at the time of publishing. Keats’s bravery should be commended.

* As a read aloud, this book can be used for teaching multiple skills. Such as figurative language, author’s purpose, and point of view.

* Other books available from Keats that include Peter, the main character from The Snowy Day:

Peter’s Chair – ISBN 9780670880645

Goggles! – ISBN 9780140500516