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Snowman's Story
One wintry day, a hat lands on the head of a newly made snowman and brings him to life. Hiding inside the hat is a rabbit, who listens to the snowman read a story to some animal friends. When the snowman falls asleep, the rabbit hops away with the book. But the snowman isn't about to let his story—or the mischievous rabbit—get away. The chase is on! Filled with charm and fun, this wordless picture book from a beloved illustrator lets kids tell their own version of the story, even as they delight in the action-filled pages.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 18, 2014
49 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Will Hillenbrand
95 books97 followersWill Hillenbrand is an American children's book author and illustrator who has worked on over seventy books for young people. Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was influenced by the stories he heard in his father's barbershop growing up. After taking a class in picture-book art while in art school, he decided to pursue a career in children's literature, combining his love of storytelling with his love of illustration. He lives in Terrace Park, Ohio with his wife, Jane, and their son, Ian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
December 8, 2020
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=4738
This beautifully illustrated, wordless picture book whisks readers into the brisk, wintery setting that fill the pages. As a rabbit jumps into a snowman’s hat, he comes alive with all of the forest animals. Rabbit steals the a book from the animals which sets them all on the move—they must get that book back! Children will be able to create their own stories as they read this magical tale, and the great element of wordless books is that readers can change the story each time they read along. These picture books are great to inspire creativity—they honor the child’s voice and imagination. Teachers might consider using them as starting points for creative writing opportunities in the classroom.
This beautifully illustrated, wordless picture book whisks readers into the brisk, wintery setting that fill the pages. As a rabbit jumps into a snowman’s hat, he comes alive with all of the forest animals. Rabbit steals the a book from the animals which sets them all on the move—they must get that book back! Children will be able to create their own stories as they read this magical tale, and the great element of wordless books is that readers can change the story each time they read along. These picture books are great to inspire creativity—they honor the child’s voice and imagination. Teachers might consider using them as starting points for creative writing opportunities in the classroom.
December 9, 2020
Cute & funny story with pretty wintry scenes. No words needed to tell this story about how everyone loves a good book!
November 22, 2014
A wordless story that brings to mind Frosty the Snowman mixed with the warmth and joy that a good book brings.
One night, a snowman comes to life with the help of a magical hat and a group of forest animals. As the night winds down and the snowman begins to drift off, a rabbit hops from out of his hat and takes off with the book the snowman was sharing with his forest friends. What follows is a chase that ends with a sweet compromise.
Graphite pencil, colored pencil, chalk pastel, pixels, china marker, crayon, ink, watercolor, and collage artwork is both magically enchanting and seasonally heartwarming. Consider for gift giving with PreK-2.
One night, a snowman comes to life with the help of a magical hat and a group of forest animals. As the night winds down and the snowman begins to drift off, a rabbit hops from out of his hat and takes off with the book the snowman was sharing with his forest friends. What follows is a chase that ends with a sweet compromise.
Graphite pencil, colored pencil, chalk pastel, pixels, china marker, crayon, ink, watercolor, and collage artwork is both magically enchanting and seasonally heartwarming. Consider for gift giving with PreK-2.
September 14, 2015
Hints of Frosty the Snowman abound with a tale of magical hat and snowman coming to life. What makes this story so unique is that this snowman carries with him a storybook, that a certain rabbit will stop at nothing to get - and that snowman and friends will do anything to get back. I laughed at the antics and was delighted with the ending. I would love to share this one with my family in December, when magic seems to very close and snowfalls mean anything can happen.
November 19, 2014
Very good wordless picture book
August 20, 2015
Will Hillenbrand has done it again. Fabulous book, incredible art and wonderfully creative!
If only I could give it more stars, I would!
If only I could give it more stars, I would!
December 13, 2018
My personal favorite to read to my kids
This book has no words only lovely pictures that do tell a story. I get to make up my own words, the story is a little different each time and it doesn’t always rhyme but it’s always my favorite book.
This book has no words only lovely pictures that do tell a story. I get to make up my own words, the story is a little different each time and it doesn’t always rhyme but it’s always my favorite book.
May 23, 2015
SUMMARY: A rabbit in a hat lands on a snowman's head. He comes to life. His animal friends give him a book to read to them. The friends leave and Snowman falls asleep. The rabbit steals the book and runs away. The snowman and the animals give chase. They have a snowball fight over the book, but Rabbit wins. When the animals and the snowman see why Rabbit wanted the book, they are all forgiveness.
ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations were created in mixed media. They are quite beautiful, colorful, and soft giving a homey feeling.
THE GOOD: This book highlights the importance of a good book. The pictures do a wonderful job of telling the story without words. There is never a doubt as to what the animals are doing. The characters are adorable and friendly. The ending is sweet.
THE NOT AS GOOD: I was distressed by the aggressiveness of the chase over the book. The snowman and friends must stop themselves from barely falling over a cliff and must cross a log over the very high precipice. Then they stop to fight over the book with snowballs. The snowman is knocked to the ground before the chase continues. If it hadn't been for this part, I would have liked the book even more. And of course, the snowman comes to life exactly like Frosty the Snowman.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Ages 4-7
ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations were created in mixed media. They are quite beautiful, colorful, and soft giving a homey feeling.
THE GOOD: This book highlights the importance of a good book. The pictures do a wonderful job of telling the story without words. There is never a doubt as to what the animals are doing. The characters are adorable and friendly. The ending is sweet.
THE NOT AS GOOD: I was distressed by the aggressiveness of the chase over the book. The snowman and friends must stop themselves from barely falling over a cliff and must cross a log over the very high precipice. Then they stop to fight over the book with snowballs. The snowman is knocked to the ground before the chase continues. If it hadn't been for this part, I would have liked the book even more. And of course, the snowman comes to life exactly like Frosty the Snowman.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Ages 4-7
August 26, 2017
I fell in love with the idea of wordless books when taking a children's lit. class. I won this book from a Goodreads Giveaway and did not realize it was wordless until it came in the mail. I love the imagination and discussion prompted by such a book. The pictures are soft and beautiful and what could make a snowman story better then having him share a book?
February 27, 2017
Awards the book has received (if any):N/A
Appropriate grade level(s):Pre-School through 2nd Grade
Original 3-line summary: A snowman in the forest comes to life when a seemingly magic hat with a rabbit inside lands on his head. The rabbit runs away with the snowman's book and causes the snowman to chase him. When the snowman finds the rabbit, the snowman does not get angry and decides to read the book to a large group.
Original 3-line review: This wordless picture book allows children to freely interpret and narrate the story. It demonstrates a valuable lesson of compromise and working together. The charming and detailed illustrations are guaranteed to keep children entertained.
2-3 possible in-class uses: A discussion about classroom community can be held after students view this book. A conversation starter could be "Would you want the rabbit in our classroom?" The answers would most likely be no due to the fact the rabbit took the snowman's book without asking. In addition, the topic of compromise can also be introduced to children. Instead of taking the book for himself, the snowman decided to read to all the animals, including the rabbit. A discussion can be structured by the teacher about manners and compromise. Another in-class use could be the students writing the story to the book. The students could be divided into groups and they each get a certain number of pages they have to narrate. After they have written the captions, they place them on the corresponding pages in the book. When the students are done, they have written a classroom book together. This lesson teaches the importance of teamwork and cooperation in a fun and different way.
Appropriate grade level(s):Pre-School through 2nd Grade
Original 3-line summary: A snowman in the forest comes to life when a seemingly magic hat with a rabbit inside lands on his head. The rabbit runs away with the snowman's book and causes the snowman to chase him. When the snowman finds the rabbit, the snowman does not get angry and decides to read the book to a large group.
Original 3-line review: This wordless picture book allows children to freely interpret and narrate the story. It demonstrates a valuable lesson of compromise and working together. The charming and detailed illustrations are guaranteed to keep children entertained.
2-3 possible in-class uses: A discussion about classroom community can be held after students view this book. A conversation starter could be "Would you want the rabbit in our classroom?" The answers would most likely be no due to the fact the rabbit took the snowman's book without asking. In addition, the topic of compromise can also be introduced to children. Instead of taking the book for himself, the snowman decided to read to all the animals, including the rabbit. A discussion can be structured by the teacher about manners and compromise. Another in-class use could be the students writing the story to the book. The students could be divided into groups and they each get a certain number of pages they have to narrate. After they have written the captions, they place them on the corresponding pages in the book. When the students are done, they have written a classroom book together. This lesson teaches the importance of teamwork and cooperation in a fun and different way.
November 18, 2023
Seeing is believing. In a book made entirely of pictures, not words -- admittedly, enchanting pictures, not words -- does the plot here make a whole lot of sense?
Think about this, Goodreaders:
1. A bear builds a sonowman.
2. A rabbit puts a hat on tje snowman's head.
3. Immediately he comes to life.
4. A bird gives him a book.
5. Suddenly, Snowman comes to life. And immediately he starts reading his book.
More adventures ensue. Either delightful or straining credulity in an adult reader. I'm stuck on this plot point.
INSTANTLY, SNOWMAN LEARNS HOW TO READ
Instantly he learns how to talk.
In what world?
THIS ADULT THINKS
Many toddlers will have trouble learning how to read. Talking may not come easily, either.
Will the happy fantasy of this book put kids in the mood to accept their reality of their lives, come what may?
Easy learning to follow, then, like a birthright? Easy as having a rabbit put a hat on your head?
NOT TO SEEM LIKE A SPOILSPORT, BUT HOW ABOUT DYSLEXIA?
Myth: Dyslexia is rare.
Fact: In the United States, NIH research has shown that dyslexia affects 20%, or 1 in every 5 people.
RATING THIS BOOK
In honor of the intended audience, fantasy-ready and loving adorable pictures, surely, this book deserves FIVE STARS.
Personally, though, this isn't my favorite book by talented author and illustrator Will Hillenbrand. Not by a long shot.
Think about this, Goodreaders:
1. A bear builds a sonowman.
2. A rabbit puts a hat on tje snowman's head.
3. Immediately he comes to life.
4. A bird gives him a book.
5. Suddenly, Snowman comes to life. And immediately he starts reading his book.
More adventures ensue. Either delightful or straining credulity in an adult reader. I'm stuck on this plot point.
INSTANTLY, SNOWMAN LEARNS HOW TO READ
Instantly he learns how to talk.
In what world?
THIS ADULT THINKS
Many toddlers will have trouble learning how to read. Talking may not come easily, either.
Will the happy fantasy of this book put kids in the mood to accept their reality of their lives, come what may?
Easy learning to follow, then, like a birthright? Easy as having a rabbit put a hat on your head?
NOT TO SEEM LIKE A SPOILSPORT, BUT HOW ABOUT DYSLEXIA?
Myth: Dyslexia is rare.
Fact: In the United States, NIH research has shown that dyslexia affects 20%, or 1 in every 5 people.
RATING THIS BOOK
In honor of the intended audience, fantasy-ready and loving adorable pictures, surely, this book deserves FIVE STARS.
Personally, though, this isn't my favorite book by talented author and illustrator Will Hillenbrand. Not by a long shot.
October 3, 2019
This is a beautifully illustrated wordless book. When you make up the story it comes to life. You can make up your own story each time you open the book. This will get your little ones imagination flowing with fun and joy.
This is my interpretation of part of the story.
A bear, a fox, and a bird gave the snowman they just made a book. He read them a story and then they all went to bed. A rabbit was hiding out in the snowman hat. She crept down, stole the book, and took off. The others woke and gave chase. Why did she take the book? Where was she going? Reading/listening, Oooops!!! That doesn't work this time. There are no words. So looking and thinking is up to you to find out.
Good Luck and Happy Thinking!!
I borrowed this book on a Kindle Unlimited website and so can you.
This is my interpretation of part of the story.
A bear, a fox, and a bird gave the snowman they just made a book. He read them a story and then they all went to bed. A rabbit was hiding out in the snowman hat. She crept down, stole the book, and took off. The others woke and gave chase. Why did she take the book? Where was she going? Reading/listening, Oooops!!! That doesn't work this time. There are no words. So looking and thinking is up to you to find out.
Good Luck and Happy Thinking!!
I borrowed this book on a Kindle Unlimited website and so can you.
March 11, 2020
gosh, i should have put it all together, i have read like 2 or 3 of Will Hillenbrand's reads ... what a great writer ... author and his illustrator is genius ... not sure if it is him or not?? now that i am in the reviewing page ... i will have to check?? so amazing. i loved this read. it will bring up other snowman reads u might have read ... i did recall the Christmas movie "Frosty The Snowman" from 1969. i guess that is normal for all who read or watch movies ...u tend to pull on memories ...i cry every time ...i want a snow man/woman friend ... some one to tell u right and wrong and help u along your way in life ... good memories. i could cry over this read as well ... just so fun. maybe i just wanna build a snow person ... but there is no snow here in VA ever ... u folks who get snow ... U R SO LUCKY!! i would really love some. great read.
October 20, 2017
Snowman reads his new friends a bedtime story and after everyone starts to snooze a rabbit steals the book out of Snowman's hands and takes off into the night. Where is that rabbit going? You'll have to read Snowman's Story to find out! This wordless picture book, by Will Hillenbrand, is sure to please book lovers of all kinds. Children will enjoy telling you the story again and again! For ages 3 and up.
June 4, 2020
Snowman's Story by Will HIllenbrand is a story (with no words) of a rabbit who sits inside the snowman's hat. When the snowman falls asleep he takes the book he was reading and runs home with it. The snowman and his friends follow him to get his book back. When they arrive at the rabbit's house they find that the rabbit is reading the book to his many children. In the end, the snowman is pictured reading the book to all the rabbits and his friends.
December 20, 2017
Wordless story of a snowman who comes to life when a hat is placed on his head. He is given a book and reads the story. The rabbit who was in the hat steals the book and the snowman and his friends chase him. They follow the rabbit to her home and are surprised that she took the book to read to her children. The snowman reads to everyone at the end.
Great illustrations to tell the story.
Great illustrations to tell the story.
June 25, 2019
This is one of the most beautifully illustrated children's stories, that I have ever seen!
It is a charming story, about a snowman who comes to life, with the help of some animals and a black hat!
I really liked how, a book, was the central image throughout the story!
Little ones will love being able to make up the story; as they read along with the grown-ups!
It is a charming story, about a snowman who comes to life, with the help of some animals and a black hat!
I really liked how, a book, was the central image throughout the story!
Little ones will love being able to make up the story; as they read along with the grown-ups!
January 21, 2018
While reading this book, I found I loved the pictureless book. The art made the story come together. The art work was well drawn out throughout the book also. The illustrations tell the story. I would recommend this book for young children and parents to read.
December 11, 2018
Very cute picture only book
It will inspire conversation with your little ones. I love the illustrations. It presents opportunities to ask prediction questions. Why do you mean think... Lovely book.
It will inspire conversation with your little ones. I love the illustrations. It presents opportunities to ask prediction questions. Why do you mean think... Lovely book.
November 22, 2019
I love Hilenbrand's work! I'm only giving it 3 stars because I was looking for a story to read to a group and I personally think wordless books are better in a one-on-one setting. However, beautiful illustrations as always!!
December 10, 2020
'Snowman's Story' by Will Hillebrand is a book without words perfect for the people who love to look at the pictures without reading. For my full review go to https://letterstocassiandotherfolks.b...
February 9, 2021
Beautiful artwork in this wordless picture book about a snowman who comes to life and his adventures with a handful of wild animals (bear, rabbits, fox, bird...) and there is a wonderful book in this book too!
February 15, 2021
In this beautifully illustrated wordless book we meet a snowman who was built by animal friends. The wind plops a hat onto Snowman's head, and Snowman then reads a book to his friends who had brought it to him. When he falls asleep - a funny thing happens. Cute story, great ending.
March 28, 2022
4 - wordless
Kind of like Frosty where a bunny is in a top hat. The top hat brings the snowman to life and a book appears that he reads to the animals out of. Then the bunny takes the book and runs away while the snowman and other animals chase him. At the end of the book we see him reading to his family in his house and then he gives the book back. Nice illustrations. Not sure the story has a huge plot besides a naughty rabbit.
Kind of like Frosty where a bunny is in a top hat. The top hat brings the snowman to life and a book appears that he reads to the animals out of. Then the bunny takes the book and runs away while the snowman and other animals chase him. At the end of the book we see him reading to his family in his house and then he gives the book back. Nice illustrations. Not sure the story has a huge plot besides a naughty rabbit.
December 6, 2023
This is a wordless book. What I really liked about it is that the illustrations are detailed, but simple enough for the little reader to interpret their own story. And that story might change a little after reading it a second time.
January 5, 2024
Adventure
A wonderful adventure for the snowman and your children to go on together. No words, just beautiful illustrations to give them the wonders of having a book in their hands.
A wonderful adventure for the snowman and your children to go on together. No words, just beautiful illustrations to give them the wonders of having a book in their hands.
January 4, 2025
A wordless tale open for interpretation as animals build a snowman that comes to life and reads to them. Later, a rabbit steals the book and leads all involved on a merry chase that ends in her hutch.
December 6, 2017
Just pictures
This had no words but I gave it 5 stars because my daughter used it as a template to draw winter scenes.
This had no words but I gave it 5 stars because my daughter used it as a template to draw winter scenes.
January 17, 2018
Super cute. Woods (nearly 4) adored this book and was sad to see it go back to the library. We'd definitely put it into winter reading rotation.
February 7, 2018
this was such a cute, warm-hearted read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews