Snow Still

Snow Still is a stunning picture book created by the exceptionally talented painter and illustrator, Holly Surplice. This painted picture book follows a fledgling fawn as it discovers and embraces its first fall of snow. From being captivated by the whiteness of a true winter's day to learning how slippery snow can be, the fawn dazzles in the delight of a snow day. Once it has had a day of exploring, the fawn arrives home to the warm embrace of its parents. The illustrations of the snowy scenes and darling young deer cover the whole double-page spread of the book and are full of charm and character. The simplicity of the language consisting of rhythmic couplets beginning with the word 'snow' lends itself perfectly to activating inference to think deeper about what might be happening and what the fawn may be feeling and thinking in each painting. Perfect for young readers and listeners, the repetitive use of 'snow' also means that everyone can join in. The silver sparkling foil used throughout made it ever more captivating for the young children in my class who were silenced to stillness by the beauty of this book. This book is best read slowly, to give the audience time to soak up the true beauty of the colourful illustrations. Snow Still got my young class thinking ahead to the snowy days of winter as we reminisced about our lasting memories of snowy adventures. Picture book / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Jessica Bunney, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+