Is That You, Winter?: A Story

by Stephen Gammell

It’s winter. The ground is blanketed in snow. Who’s behind it all? Old Man Winter wakes up in a bad mood, as usual. Soon snow, ice, and freezing rain are everywhere. He has taken care of winter once more, but who is taking care of him ? Young readers will warm to Caldecott Medalist Stephen Gammell’s distinctive illustrations and unique story no matter what the season.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Christmas, Fiction, Nature, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Caldecott winner US children's book illustrator.

Biography

Reviews

[Brian James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Man Winter wakes up grumpy as he heads off to work, covering the ground with snow as it falls from from the back of his beat-up clunker of a pick-up truck. After taking a nasty spill on the slippery road and falling into a snow bank, he begins to wonder why he even makes it snow in the first place.

In a wonderful shift in perspective, Old Man Winter is seen to be a toy, discovered by a little girl bundled for the weather. Despite her friends taunting, the little girl adores this ratty toy and the snow he brings just for her and can't wait to enjoy the day with her old friend.

This is a joyful book that's part folklore and part Toy Story. It certainly works best when time is taken to thoroughly pour over every detail. The sparse text really serves as a means to enhance Gammell's truly glorious illustrations. Few artists have the rare ability to create entire new worlds in their paintings and Stephen Gammell is certainly one of them. His style incorporates so much movement that the pictures seem to jump from the page and come to life. Perfect for a cold day, preferably after playing in the snow until you're half-frozen.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw the cover on a winter display and snatched it up. Slow start, but totally worth it it.

It must be said that Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark wouldn't be able to put across that "nighttime in a strange place" essentially creepy atmosphere if it weren't for Gammell's art. He does that so well, but it's nice to see his range, too. Same style, utterly different vibe.

Library copy

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up because the author and illustrator is the same who illustrated Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books. You can definitly see Gammell's chaotic, slightly creepy style in the illustrations and text, but the overall story is quite charming and sweet.

[Roxann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful illustrations. The story itself was a little strange. Old Man Winter was a grumpy old guy with a cowboy hat. He was later found and the little girl thought he was a toy. Pictures are worth the read with your child though.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Stephen Gammell's illustrations. They are wild and free and clever. This story got me. Illustrations and the simple story. Let it snow, Old Man Winter. Let it snow.

[Shaina Cade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went from being the most ominous picture book cover art ever // to warm echoes of Toy Story with lovely splashes of color.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. Great read aloud for children.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for MN girls. Excellent ending!

[Jeani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique and fun

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

It

[Mrs Heet -Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story of Old Man Winter. Fun and different types of illustrations.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew Old Man Winter wore a big ten-gallon cowboy hat and a green vest...And, he's as grumpy as can be. Until, that is, he meets old friends and decides he doesn't need to be so grumpy after all when the children love him for making all the snow. Beautiful, colorful illustrations doen in pastels, pencils, and watercolors.

Used for "Snowy Things" storytime-01/2010.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reads like two stories. The first part is about grumpy Old Man Winter, dressed like a cowboy, riding around is his truck delivering snow, wondering about who is he doing this for. In the second part we see that Old Man Winter is really a little girl's doll. A strange little story with great paint splatter illustrations

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd little book. I like the idea of Old Man Winter as a grumpy old cowboy-type. This book is listed with an accompanying art proejct in Storybook Art by MaryAnn Kohl, so I'm curious to see what it is.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it to be a little odd and somewhat creepy.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book. It different. Old Man Winter wakes up in a bad mood but is made happy again by a small girl who is grateful for winter.

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, we really enjoyed the illustrations.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Stephen Gammell's illustrations and this book is one of his best.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Gammell is one of my favorite illustrators, so I have quite a few of his books. This is a cute (and short) story about winter and a child's imagination.

[Jaime Ann Sanborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could Father Winter really be an ornery children's toy? This book serves up a great dose of pretend and a whole lot of winter fun!

[Victoria Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute tale about the man who's in charge of winter.It touches on friendship and seasons. I think it would be great for beginning readers. I also thought it had wonderful illustrations.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considered for story time, looking for short and funny. Decided illustrations were too splattery to convey to group. Interesting multilevel view of old man winter though.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Gammell is a wonderfully creative illustrator. My K students have always enjoyed discussing his different books and artistry. Highly recommend to the PreK and K classrooms.

[Deatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute book with an ending you just can't predict. The paintings are wonderful and gallery worthy!

[Lauren Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute view on winter, and the love of a child.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pictures in this book are very cool. I love the author's story about winter.

[Megen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute and creative fictional story about how snow is made.