What do you think?
Iguanas in the Snow and Other Winter Poems
In the final installment in the series, Francisco X. Alarcón shows children a city where people are bridges to each other and children sing poetry in two languages. A family frolic in the snow reminds the poet of the iguanas playing by his grandmother's house in Mexico. Readers are dazzled by the promise of the seedling redwoods — like all children — destined to be the ancestors of tomorrow.
Maya Christina Gonzalez creates a spirited family of children and adults who swing their way through colorful pages. Collages of old maps of Mexico and California provide intriguing backgrounds, and fun-loving iguanas peek out from the most surprising places.
Maya Christina Gonzalez creates a spirited family of children and adults who swing their way through colorful pages. Collages of old maps of Mexico and California provide intriguing backgrounds, and fun-loving iguanas peek out from the most surprising places.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 13, 2016
First Snowfall
the sky
is sending
soft kisses
to the earth
OR
Primera nevada
el cielo
le manda
dulces besos
a la tierra
Such a beautiful language! And I love the colors of the illustrations :)
the sky
is sending
soft kisses
to the earth
OR
Primera nevada
el cielo
le manda
dulces besos
a la tierra
Such a beautiful language! And I love the colors of the illustrations :)
December 27, 2018
A good story time book for winter in the west.
February 6, 2011
I loved this bilingual book of poems about celebrating the winter season in San Francisco and northern California. Maya Christina Gonzalez’s colorful, lively pictures enhance the joyous, expressive poetry of Francisco X. Alarcón. For each poem there is the Spanish version and then the English version written in short phrases and generally three lines per stanza. It is quite obvious to me that the author is absolutely bilingual in both languages, as each version of a poem is written truly as its own poem. The same ideas are conveyed in each stanza, but the wording fits the poetic nuances of that language, without trying to translate word-for-word.
I would love to read this with K-3 graders, either as they study seasons in Science or during that season. This book is the final book in a series on seasons told in poetry by the same author and illustrator. Obviously the other three books in the series would make for great companion books. Especially wonderful for a bilingual or dual language classroom, this book could also be used with students who do not know Spanish, as a way to here the rhythm and flow of another language. In this case, I think that I would pick and choose which ones to read in the Spanish, while reading all of the English ones. The author’s use of poetic devises may be examined such, as the use personification and metaphor, including how these helped enrich the story of the poems. A look at his use of language would help the students to understand why he received the Pura Belpré Honor for narrative in 2002.
I would love to read this with K-3 graders, either as they study seasons in Science or during that season. This book is the final book in a series on seasons told in poetry by the same author and illustrator. Obviously the other three books in the series would make for great companion books. Especially wonderful for a bilingual or dual language classroom, this book could also be used with students who do not know Spanish, as a way to here the rhythm and flow of another language. In this case, I think that I would pick and choose which ones to read in the Spanish, while reading all of the English ones. The author’s use of poetic devises may be examined such, as the use personification and metaphor, including how these helped enrich the story of the poems. A look at his use of language would help the students to understand why he received the Pura Belpré Honor for narrative in 2002.
January 12, 2011
First Snowfall
The sky
is sending
soft kisses
to the earth
Maya Christina Gonzalez's vibrant and joyous illustrations combined with Francisco X. Alarcon's luminous poetry make this collection of childrens seasonal poems a delight to behold. Quite simply, it will place a smile on your face.
The sky
is sending
soft kisses
to the earth
Maya Christina Gonzalez's vibrant and joyous illustrations combined with Francisco X. Alarcon's luminous poetry make this collection of childrens seasonal poems a delight to behold. Quite simply, it will place a smile on your face.
February 12, 2018
This is an interesting book that blends cultural context. These poems are a great way to remember the fun people can have on those snowy days. It also brings out the kid in the adult who is reading them. The illustration is fun and colorful.
August 26, 2010
A wonderful collection of poems in Spanish and English with colorful illustrations. The story is set in the Bay area.
April 21, 2022
A beautiful anthology of seasonal poems written in both English and Spanish for young readers to enjoy, Alarcón's stunning imagery gives his readers a glimpse into California's and Mexico's winter scenes and joys. In the classroom, this book celebrates Spanish and makes a bridge for Hispanic English Learners to access classroom literature. As a Pura Belpré and Américas Award winner, this quality collection of poetry will not fail to inspire its readers to love poetry, and captivate its audience with the beauties of Mexican-American culture.
March 7, 2010
Iguanas in the Snow: And Other Winter Poems is appropriate for children ages 5-10. It received a Pura Belpré Narrative Honor Award in 2002.
In this text, Alarcón shares his version of winter, experiences between Northern California and Mexico. For children living in certain regions of the United States, it may not make sense that it rains unceasingly during winter, rather than snowing. But this text provides a teachable moment in that while we experience a particular season in certain way, people around the world are experiencing something entirely different.
Again, as I mentioned in my review of From the Bellybutton of the Moon: And Other Summer Poems, the rhyme, rhythm and sound of the poems is, in my opinion, better in Spanish. However, the English translations in this text are very effective. Alarcón provides short footnotes explaining some of his word choices as well as the inspiration and cultural references behind his poetry, which is a welcome addition, especially for an English speaking or non-native audience. Gonzalez’s paintings are even more brilliant in this text than the last; I particularly enjoyed her interpretation of the Mission Dolores and that the maps of both Mexico and California tied the collection of work together. Because this is the final text in the series, she seems to have solidified her vision.
Personally, I thought the best poems were: “Starfish on the Beach”(which serves as an introduction to the book), “In Winter”, “City of Bridges” (which could be used to teach personification and simile) “Mission Dolores”, “San Francisco”, “In My Barrio”, “Ode to Buena Vista Bilingual School”, “Migrant Life in Seasons”, and “Iguanas in the Snow”.
Many of the poems in this text can be used to teach personification. This book would also be helpful in either teaching poetry in a bilingual classroom or in exposing students to Mexican culture and poetry. There are four volumes in The Magical Cycle of the Seasons series, one for each of the seasons, which lends itself to students creating their own seasonal poetry books.
This text does not meet the Pura Belpré Narrative Honor Award criteria in the traditional sense. Because this is a collection of poems, the plot sometimes takes a detour to notice the natural surroundings of the narrator. But each of those descriptions is an integral part of Alarcón’s experience and thus, its presence is warranted. The characters, are actual people, Francisco Alarcón included. The setting alternates between Northern California and Mexico, the two locations Alarcón spent his winters. Many of the poems are narrative in style, and this makes sense considering that these poems chronicle a portion of Alarcón’s life story. This book is appropriate for the child audience and I feel that many Mexican immigrants, particularly migrant farm workers, will identify with Alarcón’s childhood. The cultural authenticity of the text is unquestionable.
In this text, Alarcón shares his version of winter, experiences between Northern California and Mexico. For children living in certain regions of the United States, it may not make sense that it rains unceasingly during winter, rather than snowing. But this text provides a teachable moment in that while we experience a particular season in certain way, people around the world are experiencing something entirely different.
Again, as I mentioned in my review of From the Bellybutton of the Moon: And Other Summer Poems, the rhyme, rhythm and sound of the poems is, in my opinion, better in Spanish. However, the English translations in this text are very effective. Alarcón provides short footnotes explaining some of his word choices as well as the inspiration and cultural references behind his poetry, which is a welcome addition, especially for an English speaking or non-native audience. Gonzalez’s paintings are even more brilliant in this text than the last; I particularly enjoyed her interpretation of the Mission Dolores and that the maps of both Mexico and California tied the collection of work together. Because this is the final text in the series, she seems to have solidified her vision.
Personally, I thought the best poems were: “Starfish on the Beach”(which serves as an introduction to the book), “In Winter”, “City of Bridges” (which could be used to teach personification and simile) “Mission Dolores”, “San Francisco”, “In My Barrio”, “Ode to Buena Vista Bilingual School”, “Migrant Life in Seasons”, and “Iguanas in the Snow”.
Many of the poems in this text can be used to teach personification. This book would also be helpful in either teaching poetry in a bilingual classroom or in exposing students to Mexican culture and poetry. There are four volumes in The Magical Cycle of the Seasons series, one for each of the seasons, which lends itself to students creating their own seasonal poetry books.
This text does not meet the Pura Belpré Narrative Honor Award criteria in the traditional sense. Because this is a collection of poems, the plot sometimes takes a detour to notice the natural surroundings of the narrator. But each of those descriptions is an integral part of Alarcón’s experience and thus, its presence is warranted. The characters, are actual people, Francisco Alarcón included. The setting alternates between Northern California and Mexico, the two locations Alarcón spent his winters. Many of the poems are narrative in style, and this makes sense considering that these poems chronicle a portion of Alarcón’s life story. This book is appropriate for the child audience and I feel that many Mexican immigrants, particularly migrant farm workers, will identify with Alarcón’s childhood. The cultural authenticity of the text is unquestionable.
October 4, 2015
Iguanas in the snow is a great book. I love the incorporation of Spanish text. This book was a
Pura Belpré Award Nominee for Narrative (2002). It won the ALA Notable Children's Books in 2002. Each page has different poems with titles. The poems are incorporated in the picture and describe what you are seeing. There isn't rhyming in the poems but they give you a glimpse into places around San Fransisco and seasons. The poems are always on top of the background and each on different sides of the page. Some poems are short while others are long. As the author writes, his poems almost tell the story of how poems are created. For example. A Blank white page- is a meadow after a snowfall that a poem hopes to cross. The poems tell very deep messages and tie in to real life and family.
Another thing the author did was write tidbits of what certain things mean such as the clave. The people in the picture are of all colors and have various features which is great. On page 19, you have to turn the book upside down to read the words. It depicts Mexican culture and what they do differently on Christmas Eve.
These poetry book would be a great introduction to poems. Doing comparisons of poems in early elementary would be a fun lesson. Trying to decide what is meant by the words the author writes such as we are like iguanas in the snow.
Pura Belpré Award Nominee for Narrative (2002). It won the ALA Notable Children's Books in 2002. Each page has different poems with titles. The poems are incorporated in the picture and describe what you are seeing. There isn't rhyming in the poems but they give you a glimpse into places around San Fransisco and seasons. The poems are always on top of the background and each on different sides of the page. Some poems are short while others are long. As the author writes, his poems almost tell the story of how poems are created. For example. A Blank white page- is a meadow after a snowfall that a poem hopes to cross. The poems tell very deep messages and tie in to real life and family.
Another thing the author did was write tidbits of what certain things mean such as the clave. The people in the picture are of all colors and have various features which is great. On page 19, you have to turn the book upside down to read the words. It depicts Mexican culture and what they do differently on Christmas Eve.
These poetry book would be a great introduction to poems. Doing comparisons of poems in early elementary would be a fun lesson. Trying to decide what is meant by the words the author writes such as we are like iguanas in the snow.
December 5, 2016
1. Original 3 line summary: Iguanas in the Snow is a bilingual story written in the form of a compilations of poems. Each page has a different poem, written in both English and Spanish. A family playing in the snow makes the author think of the iguanas playing in by his grandma's house in Mexico.
2. Original 3 line review: Iguanas in the Snow is a very fun and engaging way for readers to learn Spanish or English. The book also has very detailed and colorful illustrations. I also really like that the poems are written from children's perspectives.
3. Other books you might pair with/connect to : I would connect the book to Laughing Tomatoes: And Other Spring Poems, Angels Ride Bikes: and Other Fall Poems, and From the Bellybutton of the Moon: And Other Summer Poems. Each of these books are also written by Francisco X. Alarcon. Each book is written about a different season.
4. A “delicious” quote from the book: "A Blank White Page
is a meadow
after a snowfall
that a poem
hopes to cross"
2. Original 3 line review: Iguanas in the Snow is a very fun and engaging way for readers to learn Spanish or English. The book also has very detailed and colorful illustrations. I also really like that the poems are written from children's perspectives.
3. Other books you might pair with/connect to : I would connect the book to Laughing Tomatoes: And Other Spring Poems, Angels Ride Bikes: and Other Fall Poems, and From the Bellybutton of the Moon: And Other Summer Poems. Each of these books are also written by Francisco X. Alarcon. Each book is written about a different season.
4. A “delicious” quote from the book: "A Blank White Page
is a meadow
after a snowfall
that a poem
hopes to cross"
December 9, 2009
Independent Reading: 1st -4th grade
Alarcon brings to life a fun and humorous way to look at winter in his collection of poems in “Iguanas in the Snow”. He used free and nonsense verse forms in his text. Gonzalez mixed her vivacious illustrations in with the text creating harmony and symmetry. I really love how Alarcon gives Spanish and English verses of the poems and makes them so cohesive that they fix together perfectly. Children will love the playful pictures of other children from various nationalities that represent them and animals that they would love to play with or have around. The text will also capture their interest because it’s funny, it rhymes, and is very brief and to the point.
Fine Arts/ Science
Lesson Plan: Science- Track the number of winter days. How much precipitation did we get? Wind?
Alarcon brings to life a fun and humorous way to look at winter in his collection of poems in “Iguanas in the Snow”. He used free and nonsense verse forms in his text. Gonzalez mixed her vivacious illustrations in with the text creating harmony and symmetry. I really love how Alarcon gives Spanish and English verses of the poems and makes them so cohesive that they fix together perfectly. Children will love the playful pictures of other children from various nationalities that represent them and animals that they would love to play with or have around. The text will also capture their interest because it’s funny, it rhymes, and is very brief and to the point.
Fine Arts/ Science
Lesson Plan: Science- Track the number of winter days. How much precipitation did we get? Wind?
October 20, 2013
Why this book? Book of Spanish poems, with English translation on same pages
Theme/Keywords: poems about child play, seasons, city living (San Francisco)
Characteristics of quality: culturally oriented, accessible for Spanish and English, focus on city children
Special Features: poems written from child’s perspective, founded in daily experience as well as magical thinking
Gender of primary character: n/a lots of children
Race/ethnicity of primary character: Latinos
Cultural considerations: churches, special places and events in winter in San Francisco
Language considerations: written in Spanish and English
Open Ended Question: They write that the clouds are like sleeping mountains in the sky, how else might we describe clouds?
Theme/Keywords: poems about child play, seasons, city living (San Francisco)
Characteristics of quality: culturally oriented, accessible for Spanish and English, focus on city children
Special Features: poems written from child’s perspective, founded in daily experience as well as magical thinking
Gender of primary character: n/a lots of children
Race/ethnicity of primary character: Latinos
Cultural considerations: churches, special places and events in winter in San Francisco
Language considerations: written in Spanish and English
Open Ended Question: They write that the clouds are like sleeping mountains in the sky, how else might we describe clouds?
June 20, 2012
This is a book of poems written in both English and Spanish. They are very simple poems that the students would understand and enjoy. It shows them that poetry doesn't have to rhyme. My favorite is the poem that is the title of the book, . They are playing in the snow for the first time. They are green because they have gotten pants and coats from the army surplus store. Momma laughs and says, "we look like happy iguanas in the snow".
Read
September 7, 2013Once again, same white boxes (starting to wonder if the problem is me?). I really liked the random tid-bits of information on the bottoms of the pages, and also snuck into one of the poems about trees and the sizes of their rings correlating to the amount of rainfall that season. My favorite part was how he referred to people as poems, "A Blank White Page, is a meadow after snowfall, that a poem, hopes to cross".
May 13, 2011
This is a book of poetry about winter. It has a definite family theme and activities families engage in together. There are also Latino themes of migrant workers going back to Mexico at the end of the harvest season. Iguanas in the Snow/ is about the extended family playing in the snow and looking like iguanas.
September 9, 2013
If you were going to San Francisco, you would know the snow there. It seems logical that the season of poems series are coming from one after another. And every plot is anything to do with an old man, who is amiable, teach the children who to celebrate and welcome the Christmas in December. I say these book series are fit for children to read it over and over again.
Read
November 27, 2018I actually loved this. I think this is a POWERFUL option for our ELLs. This book has every single poem in Spanish and in English. This allows for our ELLs to be able to make connections in these languages, identify cognates, and also to be able to understand the content of the book even if they are not understanding English yet.
July 2, 2010
Wonderful collection of bilingual poetry. The author lived in San Francisco for 20 years and now lives in Davis.
June 24, 2012
“Iguanas in the Snow” is a series of poems celebrating winter and life in San Francisco. The illustrator creates a family of Mexican workers who are not only working, but enjoying California. Gr. 1-3
September 21, 2012
Celebrate winter in two languages with a loving and lovable family. Poetry that makes you want to sing along.
January 20, 2013
I loved the poems and bright pictures in this book. I wish I knew Spanish and could read the translated poems as well.
April 26, 2013
Great for any children's collection. Illustrations are colorful and keep the readers attention. Great for any English speaking individual attempting to learn the Spanish language.
September 14, 2013
there is something so special about a story a child creates, and i loved these poems and they light they spread through a childs eyes. they really make you sit back and appreciate the simpler things.
Read
November 17, 2017Picture A321i 2001
December 29, 2017
great bilingual poems about winter
January 13, 2026
Alarcón’s winter poems take place in San Francisco and in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Though it mostly rains in San Francisco, winter activities like visiting sea lions on Pier 39 or celebrating Las Posadas are celebrated. Traveling to the Sierra Nevada mountains brings joyful fun in the snow. Francisco won a 2002 Pura Belpré Author Honor award for this book. Read more about this book on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
January 19, 2026
As with previous books in this series, the poems are very simple, but that should also be encouraging to children that they can write their own poems.
These poems relate specifically to Northern California and especially San Francisco, so could hold special interest based on that.
Muchas iguanas.
These poems relate specifically to Northern California and especially San Francisco, so could hold special interest based on that.
Muchas iguanas.
October 4, 2021
This book has a bunch of different poems that are in both Spanish and English. If I have students in my classroom that are ESL, this would be a great book for them to look at. It gives the same poem in both languages so that the student can see them side by side.
July 17, 2021
Some beautiful lyricism and visuals here.
September 13, 2021
Fun kids book with delightful illustrations- follow the chameleon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews