Snowball Moon

PreS-Gr 1—Slayton captures the magic winter holds for many children in this engaging picture book. In the opening scene, a fresh, crisp, white snow blankets the ground outside. Inside, a toasty fire roars in the background as dad and his two children play a board game while mom reads a book nearby snuggled up on the couch. Simple, rhyming text works well with the illustrations. "Snowy night…/firelight./Cozy flames,/friendly games." The peaceful, mellow vibe changes when the family appears to lose electric power. All eyes turn outside to the beautiful moon illuminating the sky, then the children and even the cute family dog spring into action and head outside to play. It's an instant play date with neighborhood children who are already sledding, and the snow is perfect for making snow angels. There is fun in creating a fort and having a snowball fight, too. Illustrations, predominately in blue, gray, and white, set the magical tone of a snowy winter night. Animals including a white owl and rabbits also add to the special mood. Eventually the children head home and are greeted with hot cocoa.