You Make Me Smile

by Layn Marlow

Today has something special in store--the first snow! The day begins with gray skies and a chill in the air, but soon soft blankets of white cover everything in sight. Hooray! With a warm hat and scarf, it's time to get out of the house and into the bright, white world. Soft illustrations follow a rosy-cheeked girl through the steps of building a charming snowman. His radish-red nose, shiny black eyes, and perfect smile will warm the hearts of readers.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Friendship, Realistic Fiction, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jenny Hartfelder · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The drawings in this picture book are beautiful ... But the story is ... fine. Nothing wrong with it and kinda cute ... But it felt like it was supposed to go somewhere and it didn't. 🤷‍♀️ The title and the drawings have so much potential, I was disappointed that the actual story didn't live up to it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is fun, but the illustrations are the real star of the show. Narrated in second person POV by a young child, this book is addressed to "you" as they get excited by the weather and go out and build a snowman. Obviously, it's the snowman at the end that makes the child smile. This is a fun book to use in story time and have the kids predict what's going to happen.

[Eileen Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about a little one being excited about building a snowman is so sweet you and your child will love it. The words are simple enough that the newest of readers will be able to read this book. The illustrations are beautiful.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

2006 published and still a lovely winter book. Loved the drawing perspectives with view points from high and low, near and far. Lovely illustration work with layers of meaning without being complicated.

[Renee MA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet art and lovely sentiment makes You Make Me Smile a heartwarming bedtime story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the simplicity and idea of this book. We all love a good snow day to build a snowman.

[CasitaSavage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet and easy to read story. My 3 yr old loves it and I really enjoy reading it to get before bedtime.

[Brandon Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Fun/Family/Fiction
Ages 2-6
Level D
The first snow of the season means lots of fun for young kiddos. This story shows the reaction of kiddos when sledding season begins...

[Rachna Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!!!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, short sentences. Perfect for storytimes about snow, snowmen, winter.

[Katie P · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are cute. The story is a simple one for those who like snowmen and complete sentences.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and very short

[Emily Matview · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me smile! It’s a nice, quick read about a child that makes a smiley snowman and then smiles for a photo, so that the parent can always remember. I love the illustrations, especially the happy little snowman. I read it for toddler storytime and I got the vibe from the parents when I introduced it that they felt their kids wouldn't like it since we don't have snow often in Vegas. But don't underestimate snow! It permeates our culture and if your kids watch TV in winter (especially Frosty, Rudolph, etc) than they know what snow is. The kids ended up enjoying it but I think the parents liked it more, with lots of "awwwws" by the story's conclusion.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first snowfall of the year is always exciting, and after bundling up in hat, gloves, boots, and scarf, a little girl heads out to enjoy the winter wonderland that is there for her to explore. After tenderly fashioning a snowman, she considers him her new friend. Her father captures a photograph of the two of them, and she knows that even though the seasons may change, winter will eventually come again, as will her snowy friend. The lovely, soft-colored illustrations fit the book's tender message perfectly.

[Kate McGinty aka Caryn Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The day starts out cold and gray, but when flakes start to fall it's time for this little girl to run outside and make a snowman. When she's ready, she puts on the finishing touch: a stick in the shape of a smile. Although the snowman eventually melts, there's the anticipation of making another one next winter.

Told from the snowman's perspective, You Make Me Smile brings the joys of winter alive. The lovely illustrations and spare words make this one perfect for lap reading and read-alouds, and the timing is great for capturing children's beginning-of-winter enthusiasm.

[Regina Spiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layn Marlow writes and illustrates a delightful children's book about a little girl who over the moon happy when she builds a snowman and adds a smile to his face. A simple storyline is paired with somber snowy washes perked up by a happy little girl in a mustard colored coat with red mittens, red hat, and a striped scarf. I can see this book being a winter favorite.

[Josie B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"S" is for sky and smile and SNOW. On this special day, the first snow falls, and a child makes a snow friend. A very simple, gentle story with beautiful illustrations, "You Make Me Smile" will be joining "Sneezy the Snowman" by Maureen Wright and "Snowballs" by Lois Ehlert for my snowy, blowy winter storytime.

[Great Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Of all the days in all the seasons of the year, today is a very special day." This lovely story of a charming snowman, the little girl who builds him and her dad will warm every heart on even the chilliest day. Reviwer 5

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snow falls. A little girl goes out and builds a snowman, giving it a smile. This is a gentle, sweet, slice-of-winter-life tale. The writing and illustrations are soft as a snowflake and warm as a cup of hot chocolate. This is a delightful book to be read, cuddled together as the snow falls outside.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet book perfect for this time of year. A little girl goes out in the snow to build a snowman. It's told in the second person point of view and the reader never really knows if it's the girl telling the story or the snowman.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first snowfall means the first snowman! Text builds in delicious anticipation and is so filled with emotion and awe that readers will surely break into a smile when the snowman does!

Great seasonal read aloud for PreK-2.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something about this book took me down memory lane and reminded me of the days when I was in elementary school and LOVED the snowy days. I felt the exact same way as this little boy. Very interesting to read a book and get those feelings out of nowhere.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet but not sticky sweet.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story about friendship that lasts across the seasons when a little girl builds her snowman friend. Beautiful illustrations accompany the simple text.

[Krissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay - i might read again. this was a cute book with a cute story, but not very distinguisable.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet... perfect for cuddling and/or for a wintry/snowman storytime!

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a sweet story, but the kids didn't seem interested at story time. We cut off the very end because it's awkward.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A winter story with a little twist!

[Amy Allgeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Good for storytime and winter friends theme.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

perfect for november/december when the weather turns colder and first signs of snow. puts a smile on my face :)