The Snow Angel
A snowy Christmas day never looked as good as it does through Jane Chapman’s glittery illustrations. Glitter is sprinkled liberally throughout the landscape and carefully applied to wings and leaves and houses to make a mouse family’s meadow home come alive.
Two mouse siblings wake up to a snowy (and glittery) Christmas morning, excited about the holiday, snow, and life in general. Their mother gives them Christmas treats of berries and nuts, which they put aside for later so they can play in the snow. Suddenly, an “angel” drops out of the sky. It is a goose that has been separated from the others and is weary and cold. The mice give the goose their Christmas nuts and berries to help restore its strength. After the goose takes a nap, it flies off, leaving a trail of glittery feathers behind. The mice are thrilled with the “present” the goose has left, as is their mother, who makes a bed with them so the family will feel as if they’re “sleeping on clouds.” The now-weary mice drift off in their goose-feather bed, remembering the “angel” who visited on Christmas.
British illustrator Chapman has published numerous animal-related books, including Bear Wants More and Bear Snores On, as well as many Christmas-related books, including Mortimer’s Christmas Manger and Happy Christmas, Honey! Her charming animal characters are comforting and friendly.
Irish-born author Christine Leeson is best known for the popular Just For You! as well as Molly and the Storm and Clever Little Freddy. She is able to impart the benefits of giving over receiving without preaching, and keeps the story light and believable.
Children will not only enjoy looking at every page, but touching each glittery page as well.
Reviewed by
Jodee Taylor
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
