Katy and the Big Snow

A sturdy, hard-working crawler tractor named Katy longs for a big snow in this classic picture book from 1943, so that she too can get out there and do her part as a snow plow. Too heavy to be used on regular snowfall, Katy springs into action when a major snowstorm buries Geoppolis, with drifts up to the second storey of the buildings. As each sector of the city calls for help—the police, the postal service, the telephone and electric companies, the water department, the doctor with his patient, the fire department, the airport—Katy steps in, faithfully plowing the snow so that life can get back to normal...

Originally published in 1943, Katy and the Big Snow is another one of those wonderfully nostalgic picture books from show more author/artist Virginia Lee Burton, who won the Caldecott Medal for her 1942 The Little House, and whose best-known book, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, was a personal favorite as a child. As someone who loves winter, and who has been happy that the area where I currently live got some proper snow this year—we haven't, the last few years—I thought I'd read this wonderful wintry title and experience the joy and beauty of the season (albeit it a little late at this point, as we head into early spring). I love the story here, with goodhearted Katy steps in to help when her community needs her, never giving up, even when she gets a little tired. I also loved the artwork, with its vintage charm. Recommended to picture book audiences seeking wintry tales, or stories of anthropomorphic vehicular heroes and heroines. show less

This book belonged to my dad, and he gave it to me, and I hope if I ever have kids, I will get to give it to them. An absolutely fantastic story that teaches any kid who reads it about the power in helping others, about the virtue in being selfless, and how much one person can really make a difference, if not for the world, then at least for their local community. It is also great for teaching kids patience---- that if they wait and do things carefully, they will be rewarded for their patience in the very end. And--- if they work hard, nothing is impossible to achieve.

This one was for kids who like poring over all the details. Katy works hard and saves the day, ok. [b:Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel|153542|Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel|Virginia Lee Burton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386924293l/153542._SX50_.jpg|1069773] is much better, imo, because of the tension against time, and the ever-so satisfying twist at the end.

My students love this one: the storm, the little map, the brave and powerful plow. The only aspect of the story that makes this a lesser tale than Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel is that we know nothing about the driver.

This classic still grips us with its graphic style of illustration, attention to detail, and compelling problem: will Katy, the snow plow, be able to get the whole city plowed out during this monster snow storm? Children love the pattern as Katy says "Follow me!" to everyone in town who asks for her help, and we love to chug along with her as she travels north, east, south, and west to get all the roads cleared.

This is a classic book about a snow plow who saves the city after a huge snow. Even though Katy gets really tired from plowing the streets, she wont stop until everyone who needs her help (the hospital, post office, fire station etc.) can get to where they need to be.

The illustrations are really fabulous. A lot of small detail, but also very simple. There a some really cool borders of other trucks in the city, and a lot of white space is utilized to give the feel of snow.

Katy is a big tractor who is fitted with a plow for the winter. She sleeps in the city garage until theirs a snowstorm so big that the other plows can't handle the work. When she finally get put on the road she plows the entire town and saves the day. With pride she goes back to her spot in the garage and waits for the next storm. The illustrations are fantastic. My favorite page is when she drew a map of the entire town and labels all the buildings. Every page has a hidden detail!