Snow Friends

M. Christina Butler and Tina Macnaughton, the British author/illustrator team behind the long-running Little Hedgehog series, here deliver a sweet story of a young bear who awakens during the middle of his hibernation, and heads out into the wintry world for some fun. After enjoying the snowy vistas, he becomes lonely, and through his actions in creating a snowman, makes some animal friends with whom he can play...

Although I wouldn't describe Snow Friends as particularly memorable, when it comes to the picture-book form, it pairs a gentle, heartwarming tale with sweet illustrations. It also features a glittery element, as the snowman is depicted using some kind of shiny substance, on each page. I sought this one out largely because I show more have enjoyed the Little Hedgehog series, and I think it will appeal to the same readers as those other books, particularly the ones who appreciated that extra interactive element, whether it's a velvety touch-and-feel hat or a shiny star. show less

Little Bear is delighted to discover the fresh layer of snow outside his cave. But he quickly realizes snow isn't much fun when he's playing by himself. So, he decides to build a friend out of snow. As he begins to work, Otter and Rabbit appear, ready to help him. Together the three friends build a huge snowman, their work enhanced by the magical, sparkling finish throughout the book. When he finishes his creation, Little Bear realizes that while he has found friends, the snowman is alone. The three animals work together to build a friend for "the bestest snowman in the world" so that he is no longer lonely!

When Little Bear wakes up from his winter hibernation, he realizes that his world is a winter wonderland. He loves seeing all of the snow! He sleds down a hill and has other delightful adventures. After playing in the snow, he realizes he is all alone—until he gets an idea!

Little Bear decides to build a friend. Otter joins him, and they make the best snowman ever! Rabbit offers to help. The new friends cooperate to build their snowman and spend the rest of the day playing in the winter wonderland together.

Genre: Fantasy
Age Appropriateness: Primary
Media: Mixed Media
Review: This story is about a little bear who wakes up in the middle of hibernation and is lonely, so he decides to make a snowman friend and ends up making a few friends on the way.

This story is about a little bear who wakes up in the middle of hibernation and is lonely, so he decides to make a snowman friend and ends up making a few friends on the way.

Sparkles don't improve this run-of-the-mill story.

Little Bear has nobody to play with in the snow, until he begins to make a snowman and Otter and Rabbit join him.
1 book