Finding The Magic in "How to Catch a Snowman"
As the chilly winter days creep in, our family often finds solace in the cozy ritual of bedtime stories. Just last week, nestled under our favorite blanket fort (complete with stuffed animal guards, of course), I pulled out How to Catch a Snowman by the talented Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton. With my two little whirlwinds, aged five and three, around me, I knew we were in for a snowy adventure that promised giggles, creative traps, and perhaps a touch of magic.
Right from the start, How to Catch a Snowman captures the imagination. The story follows a group of kids who join a snowman-building contest, only to have their snowman magically come to life and make a run for it! I loved how this plot unfolded—my kids were glued to every page, eyes wide with wonder as they brainstormed silly ways to catch the elusive snowman. Each page turn was filled with delightful illustrations that perfectly complemented the whimsical rhymes. “I don’t thumpity-thump or give warm hugs—that’s for my snowman friends to do!” The rhythm made it so easy for my little ones to chime in, creating a shared experience that both fostered their love for reading and kept them engaged.
The illustrations by Elkerton are a feast for the eyes—vibrant colors and joyful characters that practically leap off the page. My kids loved pointing out the various traps the children set for the snowman. One of our favorite pages showcased a trap that looked suspiciously like a giant snowball catapult—who knew a simple snowy day could elicit such creativity!
What I found endearing, though, was not just the storyline but also the conversations it sparked. As we read, my five-year-old chimed in with ideas on how to catch the snowman. “Maybe we can use a marshmallow net, Mom!” he declared, while my little one threw in a suggestion of using her favorite sparkly headband. Those sweet moments of imagination flying high are what make reading together so special in our home.
Unfortunately, I did hit a bump in the road—a mild clash of personalities in the midst of the reading. My three-year-old was convinced that the snowman was a friend who just wanted to play. In her mind, catching him was a job that just didn’t make sense. This led to a delightful, albeit chaotic discussion about how sometimes friends play hide and seek from one another—a testament to the interpersonal lessons nestled within this light-hearted tale.
How to Catch a Snowman quickly became a new family favorite—a stellar addition to our winter reading lineup. I’d recommend this book for ages four to ten, definitely for families looking to introduce a touch of whimsy during these colder months. It’s an entertaining read-aloud option that blends fun and heartwarming themes seamlessly.
Each night after our adventures with the snowman, both kids now eagerly ask if we can read it again. And honestly, with how much it furthers their creativity and brings joy, I lovingly oblige. After all, our blanket fort is not just a cozy nook; it’s a magic portal to countless adventures!
Discover the magic of winter fun with How to Catch a Snowman! >>
