By Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
Chronicle Books, 2011
Picture book, 44 pages, ages 3-7
Over the snow, a young girl and her father spend an afternoon skiing through woods and over hills. Under the snow is a secret animal kingdom that the girl learns about during their trek. On each spread, the illustrations simultaneously show what is going on over and under the snow and introduces the reader to several North American animals. The action gently leads the characters home to hotdogs, hot cocoa, and a waiting bonfire on a winter night.
Over and Under the Snow, an all-around delight.
Back matter includes an author’s note, further reading recommendations, and additional information about the animals in the story.
Over and Under the Snow is the first book in the Over and Under series by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal. Messner’s descriptive text almost reads like poetry. The reader may not be aware of how much information is packed into this story. Neal’s illustrations are the star, in my opinion. Deceptively simple, they draw you in and keep you turning the pages.
Will kids like this book? I would have loved it as a kid, though I admit that I’ve always been a fan of quieter books. This could be a great storytime read, a bedtime book, or also a perfect curriculum tie-in. Highly recommended.
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner received 5 stars from this reviewer.