Snow Globe Wishes

by Erin Dealey, Claire Shorrock (Illustrations)

2019 Top 20 Goodreads Choice Awards As the worst snow storm of the year rolls in, one family hunkers down together in a cozy blanket fort for the night. A little girl makes a wish on a snow globe and, in the morning, the sun rises on a winter wonderland--beckoning all outside. And what if, on this snow-filled day, families shake their busy lives and everyone goes out to play? A lyrical holiday story about wishes and community and snow--lots and lots of snow.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Childrens, Family, Poetry, Fiction, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2019

About the author

I write in many genres, from board books to YA. I am thrilled to announce TWO more picture books coming in 2023:

The HALF BIRTHDAY BOOK (Illus. Germán Blanco / Genius Cat Books / April 2023 )

CHRISTMAS AHOY! (Illus. Kayla Stark / Sleeping Bear Press / Fall 2023)

DEAR EARTH...From Your Friends in Room 5 (Illus. by Luisa Uribe / Harper Collins) . #ClimateAction *In Paperback Feb. 2023

PETER EASTER FROG (Illus. by G. Brian Karas /Caitlyn Dlouhy books/ Atheneum/S&S)

SNOWGLOBE WISHES (Illus. by Claire Shorrock / Sleeping Bear Press) got a shiny KIRKUS starred review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re... “The feelings of community and togetherness are palpable.” ❄️

GRANDMA'S FAVORITE; and GRANDPA'S FAVORITE (Kane Miller/ illus. by Luciana Navarro Powell), now available from Kane Miller via the Usborne Books and More web site will be released to Indies and B&N this year--and there are Spanish editions as well!

K IS FOR KINDERGARTEN (Sleeping Bear Press; illus. by Joseph Cowman) is perfect for current kinders and teachers AND those who need something to DO while waiting for Kindergarten to start.

BABIES COME FROM AIRPORTS (Kane Miller/ illus. by Luciana Navarro Powell--And spoiler alert: NO, they don't. See p. 2.) is a kid's-eye view of international adoption--from the paper work, researching heritage, and ALL the waiting, to that first hello.

DECK THE WALLS (Sleeping Bear/ Illus. by Nick Ward) is about the kids' table at a holiday dinner --and a fun sing-along for school celebrations.

My picture books with Atheneum/S&S, GOLDIE LOCKS HAS CHICKEN POX, and LITTLE BO PEEP CAN’T GET TO SLEEP have taken me to school visits as far south as Brazil and as far north as Tok, Alaska.

I'm a Language Arts/ theater teacher with decades of classroom experience and head the theater department of Sugarloaf Fine Arts Camp. As a member of the Area3WP, I lead writing workshops for teachers and students of all ages. If you're wondering why I look familiar, I'm the former RA for SCBWI CA North/Central, and have presented at SCBWI, reading associations, school library associations, and the PK1 Conference.
If you’re still reading this (thanks!), you can find my full bio and Writer’s Rap at http://www.erindealey.com and onTwitter/Insta: @ErinDealey.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many of the books I had on order from the library finally came in and this one was a winter snow book. I have to say that the July heat hasn't been too bad thus far, but I still have a difficult time in the heat, so it's nice to have a book about snow to mentally cool me off.

This is a beginning book told as a poem about the joys of everyone getting out and playing in the snow. It's lovely. I missed not having snow this winter, so I love reading about it.

A great little poem.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 2 out of 5]

My family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books every year. This is book #16 (of more than 20) of 2019, and we thought it was just okay. The title and soft colors set the tone.

Hank (13): 1.

Harry (14): 2.5. There were some big words that they tried to rhyme with! Nice drawings. A perfect snow globe family town.

Tara: 2. Art work was nice. The attempt at rhyming in the story not so much.

Dave: 2. I like the soft dreamy watercolor art quite a bit. The title keys you into the mushy/dreamy tone. The writing was pretty forgettable, focusing on typical sentiments of hopes for kindness on a winter night, a child's wish on a snow globe. Just okay, over all.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goodreads Choice Awards Project: Read as many of the Best Picture Book nominees as possible. 7 to go!

A multiracial family bonds when a winter storm causes a power outage, and that is nice if a bit of a snooze, but then inexplicably their whole community joins hands around a Christmas tree, and all I can do is start singing, "Fah who foraze! Dah who doraze!" while wondering if Dr. Seuss shouldn't be getting a cover credit. Or possibly St. Elsewhere, I think, when I turn the next page.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snow Globe Wishes is okay, but it didn't really capture my imagination.

I think part of the problem I had is that the colour palette used in the illustrations leaves the whole book looking muted. Where's the magic? Where's the sparkle? I'm seeing those words in the text, but I'm not seeing them in the pictures.

Basically, there's a big storm and the power goes out. One family hunkers down and eats Chinese takeout and builds a blanket fort. The little girl makes a wish on her snow globe. In the morning, everything's covered in snow (I guess this is her wish come true, but it was kind of a given!) and the kids go outside to play. The adults join them, and soon the whole neighbourhood is holding hands like a bunch of Who-ville Whos while the book talks about peace on earth.

The rhyming text is just okay. I'm struggling to find something to grab on to here, though; there's nothing that really engaged me as a reader, or made me want to continue turning the pages.

Overall, this is a bit lacklustre. Aside from the premise of the blizzard and the family having a fun slumber party because of it, there's really not much here that I haven't seen many times before.

[CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, a little short on plot?

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bi-racial family enjoys cozy-ing up together during the first big snowstorm of the year. The end with the entire neighborhood clasping hands and singing just felt a little "Grinch Who Stole Christmas-y" and didn't work for me. The rhyming text leaves a lot to be desired - the rhythm doesn't seem to fit the calmness of the illustrations.

But, the illustrations are amazing! Not a good group read aloud, but this one would make a nice one-on-one read together, discussing the illustrations and enjoying the idea of family togetherness.

[Amy Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the current state of the world where we're so divorced from each other and are so busy, it shouldn't surprise me that so much of children's literature is focusing on entire families, blocks, communities coming together.  But every time a book focuses on such an idea at its core, I'm always so pleased and surprised.  When one young girl makes the wish for everyone to come together in the midst of a snow day, the following morning she gets her wish and families call out from work, kids stay home from school, and everyone enjoys the fresh snow.  

With homey illustrations and a soft touch of cold colors, this book makes for the perfect wintertime story.  Great for a bedtime story and perfect for the cold months.  Great for grades K-2.

Review cross-listed here!

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2019 Goodreads Choice Awards Picture Book Nominee

There's something very cozy about being snowed in.

Other than the super cozy topic of being snowed in, this is a regular book. I don't think my little kids would've loved it, because it's rhyming story, and we preferred narrative stories for read-alouds. I'm sure we would've commented on the cozy indoor tent.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Whos shown in Whoville meet Peter from The Snowy Day with a message to parents to follow Ferris’s advice to slow down cause life moves pretty fast - did I catch the main inspirations in the cutest drawn but too grownup-ly written story about the many benefits of taking a snow day.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one;

Just gives you all these good feels! A good read for Winter, Christmas, or just a story of family!

[Ana on the Shelves]

Cute but feel like could be better.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the biggest snowstorm of the year hits, one little girl is glad that there is no electricity, because it means that everyone will slow down and enjoy the snow. Her family eats dinner by candlelight, and snuggles together in front of the fire. They make a blanket fort, and sleep all together in one big mattress. The little girl makes a wish on a snowglobe, wishing for peace on earth. In the morning, all their neighbors come out to play in the snow and they join hands around a Christmas tree.

The focus in this book is about all kinds of people coming together in peace to enjoy the simple pleasures of life like playing in the snow. The mother and father in the story are a bi-racial couple. Their neighbors are all ages from babies to grandparents, and from many different races and cultural backgrounds. Even the cat and dog get along together and promote peace!

I loved the sweet illustrations with clean lines and soft pastel colors. Each character is so cute! The little girl who makes the snow globe wish is completely adorable from start to finish. I love how cozy the family looks in their blanket fort.

There are a lot of side characters who appear in the background, making a snowman, driving home from work in the snow, walking their dog, shoveling snow, having a snowball fight, building a snowfort, making snow angels, or pulling a little sled for the toddlers.

Just ordinary people taking time to enjoy a little respite from their everyday lives and have fun in the snow! Reminding us that it's important to slow down sometimes and enjoy life.

The story is told in poetry, with good rhymes and a flowing meter. It's a simple story with a powerful message.

The cover is lovely, with glitter covering the snow on the dustjacket. The end papers are a beautiful soft green color with little drawings of snowflakes, sleds, and ice skates on them.

I can't wait to read this book with my nieces!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because it was nominated for the Goodreads choice award for best picture book.

The first part of this book really reminded me of Blackout.

What I liked:
-The mixed family (white dad and black mom)
-theme of peace
-the really cute pets
-lyrical writing (mostly)


What I didn't really like:
-When all the people joined their hands at the end, it really gave me a How the Grinch Stole Christmas! vibe that I didn't think really belonged in here
-the illustration style isn't my favorite
-the writing seemed like it was trying too hard at some points. Mostly the rhythm was great but I found a few pages to be a bit awkward.

I enjoyed this book but don't think it's the Best Picture Book of the year (or even really deserves to be nominated when I think of other amazing picture books from this year that weren't).

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snowstorms and unexpected weather can be inconvenient, but for one small girl, the blizzard offers a chance for her family to spend time together, especially when the electricity goes out. I enjoyed how no one seemed grumpy or too annoyed by the inconvenience; instead, they seemed to make the best of the situation, even sleeping together in a tent fort made from blankets and sheets. When the little girl makes a wish on a snow globe, her dream comes true. Not only does her family decide to venture forth into the snow but many other families do so as well. For just a brief moment in time, they all join hands, and there is harmony, not conflict. This picture book, which tells the story in rhyming texts and uses soft colors for the images, is a gentle reminder to slow down, stop, and reach out to others. I have to say that I loved the sentiment and wished that it could be so, but I also adored the fact that the youngsters are building a snow cat as well as a snowman. What fun!

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

For one girl, a snowstorm is a delight.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A snowy day draws the whole neighborhood outside and they spend quality time playing and having fun together. Gentle and soft, short and sweet.

[Khai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, with gorgeous illustrations. I love the love for and beautiful representation of winter.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this one.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snow globe wishes are a lovely concept, but they don't connect well (for this reader) to the family's situation. Neither to what was happening before the snow globe wish, nor afterward.

Was the little girl's wish for the snowstorm that (apparently) arrives in many places all at once?

Outside of the author's religion -- whatever that may be -- what is it supposed to mean to catch "the spirit"?

FWIW

I work diligently, every day that I can, to help people... and to make life better in terms of social justice, bringing spiritual values into life, etc.

And I applaud all who make a difference, in practical ways, and spiritual ways.

However, I don't have much patience for pat answers and simplistic ideas. Such as evidently undergird this particular storybook. As if the human choices that make up our actions, politics, and economics... can all be fixed by one faith-filled little child who wishes.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy read for littles, with sweet illustrations. The book highlights sharing special time with family and friends as a storm blows through. The seasonal content of Christmas plays a gentle background roll in the illustrations. A holiday read without being overly Christmas.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is said keeping a bit of seasonal cheer visible all year long brings you good luck. For many years a tiny Christmas tree covered in miniature ornaments with a tiny train running around the bottom has held a position of honor on my desk. Next year it will be joined by another item.

Some people collect these items to commemorate a visit or an event. Our family collects them to celebrate Christmas. A few are my mother's; a few are mine. As if bound by an invisible chord memories are attached to each snow globe. There is a special kind of magic in memories made of love. Snow Globe Wishes (Sleeping Bear Press, September 15, 2019) written by Erin Dealey with illustrations by Claire Shorrock is about the serendipity of wishes coming true. It's about the contagious character of spontaneous and shared joy.


My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

On a winter day a snow storm cuts off the power a family takes the opportunity to spend time together, and in turn involves their community in it as well.


I love the imagery of this book and the diversity of the characters in the book. The idea of the story is a good one, but I wasn't a fan of the lyrical element of the story itself for this particular book. The lyrical text was well written and charming, I just didn't feel it for this book.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quiet story like the sound of the streets after a snowstorm. Everyone hurries home during the biggest storm of the year all bundled up. They eat dinner by candle or firelight, make blanket forts, sleep together and wake to the new-fallen snow. A story of winter and enjoying the togetherness amid the snow.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the illustrations, but the story was a bit sugary sweet for me. With that said, for the right reader this story about family, wishes and the magic of being together will be the perfect book to curl up and read with their little one(s).

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

The end made me think of The Grinch who stole Christmas, and not necessarily in a good way.

[Athornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the kid lit workshop I’m taking, I get to explore books like these! This is a beautiful story. Totally represents what wintertime in the northeast is like! I figure it’ll be perfect to show my niece and nephew who live in the south and will not see snow!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made feel all warm and fuzzy and maybe dreading wintertime a little less.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a big snow!

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable cozy winter read. A good alternative to typical holiday fare... only mention is general "peace."

[Tara Schaafsma · Rating 2 out of 5]

The artwork was nice. But as I stand pretty firm on--No rhyming in kids books. It rarely works well.