Children's Book Review: S is For Snowman by Kathy-jo Wargin

“C is for cute.”—Publishers Weekly

Award-Winning Children’s Author Kathy-jo Wargin Creates a Winter Wonderland for Young Readers

Let’s build a Snowman
with eyes made of coal.
A top hat and scarf
warm his jolly old soul!

Never again should kids wonder what  to do in the wintertime. Award-winning author Kathy jo-Wargin teaches young readers to celebrate the chilly months in her new book, S IS FOR SNOWMAN (Zonderkidz; $15.99; September 2011).

Preschool readers will rush for their scarves and grab their sleds—or choose an equally entertaining indoor activity—when they learn about all the potential fun winter has in store as outlined in this wonderfully warm new read. 

With ideas like making snow angels, sipping hot chocolate and knitting fluffy quilts with their parents, readers will discover the many ways they can enjoy themselves during those seemingly long winter months. They will learn that the cold temperatures outdoors shouldn’t cause them to be restless inside their homes. 

Similar to Wargin’s other glorious season books, P is for Pumpkin, K is for Kite, and F is for Fireflies, S IS FOR SNOWMAN offers a fun alphabetical list of activities for kids to enjoy when the mercury drops. 

Illustrator Richard G. Johnson creates an inviting and colorful winter wonderland for readers as they learn a fun way to remember their ABCs and cool new ways to have fun in the snow.  Both parents and children will find joy in this delightful book with great pictures.  

My Review:  

This was my first time reading a book by Kathy-jo Wargin, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.  I read this book to Savannah, as part of my Christmas in July book reading with her, and have to say that this was one of my favorite books to share with her.  The illustrations alone were simply beautiful, and tied the story together nicely.  At times, you felt like winter was right outside your window with his true-to-life pictures.  Savannah couldn't help but love the pictures.  

As for the story -- what a cute and easy to read story.  Your young child will love learning about winter and all the many activities that one can enjoy when the snow begins to fall, all while learning and practicing the alphabet.  

I will definitely add this to our upcoming winter reading list, and know Savannah will enjoy this book for years to come.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kathy-jo Wargin is the author of more than 45 children’s books, including F is for Fireflies and The Legend of Sleeping Bear. She is the recipient of several awards, such as the IRA Children’s Choice Award for The Legend of the Loon and the Charlotte Award for Win One for the Gipper. Bank Street College of Education named Wargin’s The Voyageur’s Paddle one of the Best Books of 2007. Wargin is also the recipient of the 2009 National Parenting Publications Association Honor Book for Alfred Nobel, The Man Behind the Peace Prize. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and son. www.kathy-jowargin.com

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:  Richard Johnson studied illustration at Loughborough University of Art and Design. Some of the books he’s illustrated include Aesop’s Fables, If Elephants Wore Trousers, Around the World in Eighty Tales, The Peter Pan Jigsaw Book, and his own story, My Grandpa’s Amazing Inventions. Richard lives in Lincolnshire, England. www.richardjohnsonillustration.co.uk 

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Zonderkidz™, a division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it produces bestselling and award-winning Bibles, books, board books, graphic novels, audio, video and digital products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family members to educators. Zonderkidz is the publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) Bible translation, the third-grade reading level edition of the NIV that is ideal for children and those who speak English as a second language. Visit Zonderkidz on the Internet at www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources authored by influential leaders and emerging voices and has been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.