By Addie Boswell, illustrated by Mercè López
Two Lions, 2020
Picture book, 32 pages, ages 4-8
It is a snow day! Sofia hurries to be the first outside, hopscotching and sliding to the park, to be the first one to put footprints on it. She is the snow dancer, leaping and twirling alone until the other kids come and disrupt her beautiful silence with their noisy play. Sofia stands still, dejected. But then a little girl tugs at her scarf, and maybe Sofia has found a fellow snow dancer.
A story about snow days, friendship, and dancing.
Boswell’s evocative writing is paired brilliantly with Lopez’s beautifully expressive artwork. Snow Dancer Sofia is not an average child – she is more quiet and introverted. She is always true to herself while experiencing character growth. The way she reacts to disappointment and then interacts with the other boisterous children in her own way is relatable.
Sofia’s new friend, with fairy wings atop her snowsuit, is adorable. She is also much smaller and younger than Sofia. It’s a nice, subtle lesson for readers: friends don’t have to be the same age, shape, or size.
This would be a good addition to a winter-themed bookshelf.
The Snow Dancer by Addie Boswell gets 5 stars from this reviewer.