The Snow Speaks

by Nancy White Carlstrom

Captures the sights and sounds of the season's first snowfall.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday

30 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 1995

About the author

Nancy White Carlstrom has written more than 50 books for children, including the Jesse Bear series with illustrator Bruce Degan.

Born the daughter of steel mill worker William J. and Eva (Lawrence) White, Nancy White Carlstrom was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, on August 4, 1948. She practiced writing poetry, enjoyed reading books like Little Women, and wanted to become a children’s book author at an early age. Carlstrom worked in the children’s department of her local library in Washington during her high school years. She graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, majoring in Elementary Education and earning her B.A. in 1970, also studying at Harvard Extension School and Radcliffe from 1974 to 1976. In September of 1974, she married David R. Carlstrom, later a pilot and a marketing director at Fairbanks International Airport. They had two children—Jesse and Joshua.

She draws inspiration from her 18 years living in Alaska, volunteer experiences in Africa and Haiti, and raising her two sons.

Reviews

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book uses lyrical, sensory language and beautiful illustrations to celebrate the beginning of winter. The children in the book watch expectantly out the window, bundle up in their warmest clothes, and head outside to enjoy the magic of snow. I love how the author captures the way the snow sounds and the way it feels: "When words freeze in the thin, brittle air and nostrils stick together, The snow speaks in squeaks and crunches under the children's feet. Cold Cold Cold." This could be a terrific mentor text for young writers trying to describe the season.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
It was fine but not quite my cup of tea. Kind of poetic but in an odd way and which I can’t seem to put my finger on.

Ages: 3 - 7

Cleanliness: nothing to note.

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[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book. The illustrations are gorgeous. The text is written in a poetry form without rhyme. The snow is tied to Christmas at the end. I liked it so much that I just bought a copy - a used copy, since it is out of print.

[Maria Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical look at the magic of winter. From the first flakes, to the snow's mysteries and hidden magic, through the longest night and Christmas. The illustrations celebrate the wonder and beauty of snow.

[Kerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate snow! But this book is cute and imaginative with beautiful illustrations. And it does remind me that I used to have fun playing in snow once upon a time.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

The winter's first snowflakes say, "Hello, Hello, Hello," as they fall. As the bundled children run out to play, the snow says, "Cold, Cold, Cold." It continues to speak as the snowplow pushes it off the streets, and the wild animals run on top of it leaving their tracks. As it makes the tree limbs shine in the moonlight, the snow says, "Shine, Shine, Shine." Best of all snow says, "Christmas."
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, its not my favorite. I looked at the cover imagining the snow talking. I know what the author means but I just couldn't agree with it. I pushed myself to give it 2 stars, but I let myself give it 3. But the illustrations were a little bit better than the text. They made me guess what was going to happen in the text.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short enough for very young listeners. It's nicely illustrated and shows lots of beautiful things about snowy days. Christmas is almost an afterthought, so I wouldn't necessarily call it a Christmas book, but more of a winter tale. Kids who like playing in the snow should enjoy it.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this would be about winter and snow, but it really is a Christmas book.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some beautiful imagery of winter.