Genre: Realistic fiction
Age: Primary, Intermediate
Media: pen and ink

I chose to put this story within the realistic fiction genre because the story tells about animals preparing for the change in weather. The animals seem to have some human emotions or feelings but the main focus is on their needs as animals so I went with that route. ( )

"The Big Snow" tells the story of how animals prepare when they know snow is coming. It explains the need for some animals to migrate, some to hibernate and some to simply find alternate shelter. It also shows how animals can sometimes be dependent on humans for help when they are unable to have their normal food source.

I found this to be a touching story of the animal world. The story gives such human characteristics to the animals.

This is an excellent story to teach the natural instinct of animals to predict the weather. It also teaches responsibility for humans to help protect and provide for animals.

In The Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader, autumn changes into winter, and the animals all prepare for the big snow. The tone of writing is very gentle; the illustrations are highly realistic and appropriate, with the pages alternating between careful, detailed pencil drawings and soft watercolors. I like the pace of the story of coming winter and appreciate the animals detailed in its illustrations.

Caldecott Medal

One can't do these kinds of illustrations with a computer. These are precious.