About the Book:
Title: The Snow Dancer
Author: Addie Boswell
Illustrator: Mercè López
Pub. Date: December 1, 2020
Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the blog tour for The Snow Dancer. Special thanks to Two Lions and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Review:
No matter your age, there is nothing like waking up and seeing snow blanket your neighborhood. Sofia is one of the first awake and basks in the quiet. As she ventures outside, all she can hear is the sound of her feet on the snow–CRINCH, CRUNCH and SLISH SLUSSSSSSSSSSH. Sofia stops abruptly and her face beams when she sees that the snow on the soccer field has not yet been disturbed.
Sofia wastes no time gracefully dancing a whole ballet on the beautiful coating of snow, but her silence is short–lived when a pack of loud and excited kids slide down the hill interrupting her solo. Fortunately, Sofia’s annoyance is calmed by a small, younger girl wearing fairy wings who sweetly asks “Are you a Snow Fairy?” Sofia replies “I’m not a fairy. I’m a dancer.” She takes the little girl’s hand and shows her that snow dancers can do ANYTHING.
The duo twirl, leap, skate, and slide but a snowball halts their snow dance. Well, if you can beat them, why not join them? Tired after the snowball fight, Sofia bids adieu to her new friend. She dances back to her warm home to sip hot chocolate and reminisce about her glorious snow day.
With lyrical text and lively illustrations, The Snow Dancer is not only a joy for the ears but also for the eyes. Boswell uses a lot of rich vocabulary to convey Sofia’s actions throughout the story. For example, she bundled out of her sleeping house. She hopscotched down the invisible sidewalk. As a reading specialist, exposing children to robust words supports their oral and written language. Onomatopoeia is also peppered through the text which brings the story to life. As I was reading, I could actually hear the sounds that Sofia was making in the snow. López’s gorgeous illustrations make the story leap off the page, for Sofia’s movements stepping into the new snow and dancing in the field were both graceful and playful. I especially love the interaction between Sofia and her young friend which completely changes Sofia’s mood from peeved to pleased. And the smile on the little fairy’s face when she grabbed Sofia’s hand is so sweet.
What I love most about The Snow Dancer it is reminds us all of the sheer joy of a snow day. Being a teacher, I am fortunate to still experience that delight even as an adult. Here’s hoping that there is snow in the future forecast so we can all enjoy the true magic of a snow day (even if it happens on the weekend)!
Praise for The Snow Dancer!
“A spirited paean to the snow day that will appeal to children and their parents.” —Booklist
“Vivid imagery, onomatopoeia, and supple blue-gradient typography enliven Sofia’s journey as she learns to share her snow day. A dynamic tale of cooperation, adaptation, and friendship.” —Publishers Weekly
About the Author:
Addie Boswell is an artist and writer living in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in murals and picture books that focus on family, community, and the creative power of children. Her recent titles include Go, Bikes, Go! and Go, Boats, Go!, both illustrated by Alexander Mostov, and Five on the Bed, which she both wrote and illustrated. Her debut book, The Rain Stomper, illustrated by Eric Velasquez, was the winner of the Oregon Spirit Award. Learn more about the author at www.addieboswell.com.
About the Illustrator:
Mercè López is an artist from Barcelona, Spain. She holds a degree in illustration from Llotja Art School in Barcelona. Her recent title Lion of the Sky: Haiku for All Seasons by Laura Purdie Salas received multiple starred reviews and was named a Center for Children’s Books Gryphon Honor Book, an NCTE Notable Poetry Book, a Kirkus Best Picture Book, and a Parents Magazine Best Kids’ Book, among other accolades. Learn more about the artist at http://www.mercelopez.com and Instagram @mercelopez
Giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a copy of The Snow Dancer courtesy of Two Lions (U.S. addresses only). This giveaway is open from Friday, December 4, 2020 through Friday, December 11, 2020 ending at 10:00 p.m. EST. Please note that book may take longer to ship so patience is appreciated. Enter below or head over to my Twitter account, @lauramossa and retweet my Snow Dancer blog tour post.
Beagles & Books 
This looks lovely! I am a fan of snow :). The illustrations are gorgeous!!
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