Snow Day! [Hardcover]

Lester L. Laminack (Author), Adam Gustavson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

When the television weatherman predicts a big snowfall, the narrator gleefully imagines the fun-filled possibilities of an unscheduled holiday from school.

Piling under warm blankets. Sipping hot chocolate in snowman mugs. Building a snow fort. Piling up a zillion snowballs inside. Sledding in the neighbor s field. In scene after snowy scene, from sunrise to sundown, a pair of siblings, with their father in tow, show how they would make the most of their day off.

But when the family wakes up the next morning, they are in for a disappointment. As the family members pile into the car so they won t be late for school, an unexpected twist reveals who wanted the snow day most of all.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The illustrations, in muted oils, show the jubilant family anticipating the snow and the activities that they would undertake. The figures fill the pages giving a sense of intimacy, and the scenes are viewed from a variety of perspectives, adding to the excitement and chaos. Children (and parents) will identify with the strong wish for a day away from the routine, as well as the mad rush when things don't pan out." --Booklist
"The mostly two-page illustrations are rich in color, texture, perspective, and kinesthetic energy." --School Library Journal
"Laminack generates the increasingly hopeful energy to a fever pitch... Gustavson creates a festive mood with his oil illustrations, so luxurious and ample they feel like bundles of winter clothing, topped with bright scarves." --Kirkus

About the Author

LESTER L. LAMINACK is the author of several children's books. He is a specialist in children's literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. He lives in North Carolina. ADAM GUSTAVSON is a full time illustrator living and building snow forts in New Jersey with his wife and two sons. This is his twelfth book for children.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561454184
• ISBN-13: 978-1561454181
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #517,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It doesn't happen often enough, January 29, 2008

By 

Corinne H. Smith (Athol, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Snow Day! (Hardcover)

Nothing thrills the heart of a child more than the prospect of a day home from school. So when the weatherman predicts an overnight snowfall, his words jump-start the imagination. What will we do tomorrow when we're snowed in? The mind reels at the possibilities! But as with many dreams devoutly to be wished, stark reality shows up with vastly different plans. This picture book confirms the fact that no matter how old you are, the term "snow day" just might be the most exciting and magical phrase in the English language.

Lester Laminack's story is "spot on." Adam Gustavson's colorful and realistic illustrations provide snapshots that lead readers into believing they know how the book will turn out. Gotcha! A great read-along for parents and children, and it's difficult to judge who might enjoy the story more.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable for all, September 28, 2011

By 

virginia wiechert,virginia wiechert - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Snow Day! (Paperback)

Good seller. Shipping was fast and the book was as promised.
Read the book to my first grade class and they couldn't
believe the ending. Was a good springboard book for
writing.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Kid's Books EVER!, December 22, 2010

By 

Janet Boyer "Author, Blogger, Radio Host" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Snow Day! (with CD) (Hardcover)

"Did you hear that? Did the weatherman just say what I thought he did? Did he say...SNOW? Oh please, let it snow. Lots and lots of snow." -- From Snow Day!

Let me tell you, I thought this book rocked when I "just" read it through. And my 12 year old? He LOVED it. But now that I've heard the companion CD that comes nestled within a plastic pouch in the book cover...

WOW! Now, I can't NOT read Snow Day! without hearing the delightfully giddy southern drawl of author Lester L. Laminack reading his book!

I love it that we're not sure who the narrator is until the end. (And the companion CD features the author sharing his inspiration for the book--and she happens to make an appearance in Snow Day!, too!)

The artwork by Adam Gustavson is amazing--so vibrant and full of expression! Every time I read this book, I smile. It's that enchanting. (And when I had my son read a whole stack of books and rate them, this one received HIGHEST praise--"10 out of 10 stars!", he exclaimed.)

If you're looking for an adorable kid's book that pays tribute to the longed-for snow day, you MUST get this book! I've read and reviewed dozens, and I have to say, it's one of THE best children's books I've ever come across. And the companion CD? How wonderful that it features book narration (with and without prompts) AND a brief talk from the author!

Highly recommended!

-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot