Carl R. Sams

I enjoyed this book. The title was mysterious and kept the reader guessing what the book was about. I loved the suspense of the book. Each page kept the readers guessing while slowly divulging clues and getting closer to solving the mystery: who the stranger in the woods was. Since the book had such a suspenseful feel to it, it was hard to not stay engaged. It would be a perfect book for a read aloud because of this aspect. I had never seen a book like this before. The illustrations were not show more illustrations at all, in fact, they were photographs. The photographs were stunning and somehow the author managed to have a perfect photograph that went perfectly with each page of text. This is great for young readers. The text was simple, but if they were unsure of the setting or animal being discussed, they are able to simply look at the picture and figure it out. The big idea of the book was to introduce young children to the winter season and the common animals seen during that time of year. show less

In my opinion this was a really good book. The main reason why I liked this book was because of the illustrations. I loved how the pictures were actual photos. The pictures really engaged the reader because they were real and were crystal clear; it felt like you were in the woods with the animals. Another reason why I liked this book was because of the characters. The author made each character have their own personality and their own voice. Having the young buck say he was the bravest show more because he was bigger and having the bird say he was the fastest were good ways to show the different personalities between the animals. I think the main idea of this book was about friendship and the animals working together. show less

Nature photography team Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick - whose self-published picture-book, Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy, was a surprise hit back in 1999 - return to the same formula in this celebration of the changing of the seasons. As a great gray owl makes his way south, bringing with him tidings of the coming winter, the various woodland animals prepare for the approaching cold in their own way, chattering amongst themselves in the process. Only the faun, confused by show more the rush about him, remains unsure as to what is happening. Luckily, Mother Doe is there to explain, and to show him the way...

Although I wouldn't say that I found First Snow in the Woods particularly compelling, as a story - not that there was anything wrong with the narrative, per se, but tales about the changing of the seasons are not so uncommon, and this one doesn't really stand out - I was impressed by the photography, which was simply gorgeous! Sams and Stoick really know how to capture those magical moments when, their animals subjects seemingly unaware of them, the natural world appears all undisturbed. Some of the images here were simply breathtaking, as when the robin, surrounded by deep red berries, perches on his snow-encrusted branch, or when the chubby faun emerges from a drift with a snow-covered face. This is definitely a book that young nature-lovers, winter-worshipers, and would-be photographers will want to examine! show less

This is really a lovely book in many ways. It introduces youngsters to the winter season, to the animals that are out in the woods, and to the kindness of children. The story is a cute one of animals noticing a stranger in their midst and discovering the stranger to be a source of treats and food. The photographs are fabulous.

My 2 1/2-year-old grandson and I find lots to talk about when looking through the pages of this book. We always laugh when we see the deer eat the snowman's carrot show more nose. This is a book which delights me when he selects it for our story time together. show less