Title: Snow Games
Author: Joanna Marple
Illustrator: Maja Sereda
Publisher: uTales, May 2012
Book Type: Ebook Fiction
Ages: 2-5
Themes: Animals, Winter Activities, Rhyming
Opening Lines:
“On a crisp, frosty mid-winter’s day,
the woodland youngsters ran out to play.
The first game that popped into squirrel’s head
was to slide down a hill on a homemade sled.
Bear charged forth and crashed down the slope,
on a sled from boughs tied together with rope.”
Synopsis (from uTales website):
The woodland winter games are underway. But, faced with Bear’s strength, Squirrel’s speed and Owl’s self confidence, what is a wee mouse to do?
Why I Like This Book:
A wonderful tale of four cuddly animals having fun in the winter. Each animal the Bear, Squirrel, and Owl have their own special talents, while itty-bitty mouse wonders how he can possibly compete or even win an event. As with any well-crafted story, the author does a superb job with the ending, showing little readers everywhere that you can be small and still do something big.
The rhyming text and soft hued, hand-drawn like illustrations lend a warmth of friendship to the winter games story. Some of my favorites are the sleds being made made out of items from the woods and the child-like animal expressions. So sit down with a cup of hot cocoa, cuddle up with your kids, and enjoy this simple, lovely tale which may even bring back a bit of nostalgia.
About uTales:
uTales is an eBook platform providing a library of great books for young readers. Books can be read on a computer, iPhone, or iPad. I think is a great compliment to hardcover picture books. Often times I would like to read my kids books while we are out an about. I am not about to lug the picture books (which are from the library, and I am afraid of losing) but I do have my iPhone. Currently uTales is offering a $4.99 monthly subscription plan, so I recommend you go check it out. Most eBooks on the site do offer a sample reading (~first 8 pages), you can also sign-up for a free 15-day trial with full access.
Want to learn more about uTales, come back tomorrow and join us for a wonderful interview with author Joanna Marple and learn about her experience in creating Snow Games, her first book.
Update: Link to interview with Joanna Marple.
