Blizzard

By Jon Rocco
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2014
Picture book, 40 pages, ages 3-7

One day, when I was a young boy, nearly four feet of snow fell from the sky.

This is my story…

Jon Rocco’s Blizzard starts on Monday, when the first snowflake falls, and ends on Sunday, when the first snow plows are able to make their way through. At first, it’s an adventure. But as Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday pass and no snow plows come, food starts to run out. The family needs to go to the store, but the adults are too heavy to make it through the snow. Can a ten-year-old boy with tennis rackets strapped to his feet save the day?

Back matter includes a short explanation of the Blizzard of ‘78 and the author’s experiences that inspired the story.

This book is one I love to read and reread. I chuckle at the understated narration. I pore over the details in the illustrations. I find something new every time. And of course, I look for an opportunity to recommend it to other readers, like you. 

Will kids like it? If they like stories about adults’ lives as children, snow days, and adventure, you betcha.

Blizzard has everything: a plucky child hero, wonderful illustrations, great writing, superb pacing, grand adventure, and humor (slyly tucked into illustrations and speech bubbles). Read it. It’s a good book, I promise. 

A picture book memoir kids will love.

Blizzard by Jon Rocco receives 5 stars from this reviewer.