Customer Reviews

A Perfect Snowman

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is just a terrible, terrible Christmas story. The message is incredibly muddled - the illustrations were okay until the dying (Yep - more on that later) girl appears and she looks downright demonic! The story revolves around a very proud snowman who reluctantly gives up his adornments for the woodland animals in need. A little girl begs for some coal and she melts his heart so he gives her coal and an umbrella against the storm. Well, the snowman sits through the rest of the winter - forgotten, melts and goes to "heaven" where the creepy little girl is waiting for him - she's DEAD - and they spend the rest of eternity together. As I got to these last pages we all sort of looked at each other and hoped my 7 year old wouldn't quite get the ending. It just was the worst - sorry I don't mind poignancy in my Christmas stories - certainly "The Christmas Tapestry" and "The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Twomey" have their somber moments but their endings are uplifting and joyous - there's a balance to the light and dark. This one is just a big grey mess!!! I threw it in the trash - I wouldn't even donate it to the library!

The sepia-toned illustrations are beautiful, the opening is delightful as a privileged child builds a wonderful snowman, but the plot becomes a sentimental mishmash of two stories by Oscar Wilde, "The Selfish Giant" and "The Happy Prince." The snowman learns to share by giving of the items (carrot, hat, scarf, coal, and umbrella) that made him special, and a humble visitor becomes a heavenly guide, ideas taken from Wilde's tales.
I would have much preferred it if McDaniels had chosen to illustrate a book of the Wilde fantasy tales. A lovely book.

THE PICTURES ARE SO LOVELY ALL BROWNS & CREAMS & ELEGANT & NEVER SEEN SUCH A PERFECTLY WELL TOLD STORY BY THE SNOWMAN HIMSELF... I WOULD NOT WANT ANYONE WITH CHILDREN OR ANYONE WHO'S A CHILD AT HEART TO MISS THIS TALE! WILL ALWAYS TREASURE THIS BOOK! WOW WHAT A SURPRIZE ENDING!

This product came in good timing and in great quality! I was amazed to find that there was actually an autograph from the author (this was especially special since I had seen the author but did not have my book yet to have him sign it...)
It is a great story with a heart-warming message!

"A Perfect Snowman" has illustrations that will enchant and capture the imagination of your young ones. The artist captures the essence of the story with the soft, gorgeous pencil drawings and adorable characters. In the beginning, the snowman is perfect to look at, but the reader soon realizes that his character is not as lovely...he is selfish and self-absorbed. But as the story unfolds and the snowman has the opportunity to help others in need...his cold heart changes in a miraculous way...teaching us all an invaluable lesson about giving of ourselves.
This sets a wonderful platform for discussion with our children regarding compassion for others...even when it requires personal sacrifice.

This one will be passed down for generations!