The Snow Knows

By Jennifer McGrath, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon
Nimbus Publishing, 2016
Picture book, 32 pages, ages 3-8

The snow knows…
Where the rabbit goes.
It knows the hush-shush of the owl’s wing.

In the woodlands surrounding a little white house with a red roof, animals bound, skitter, tunnel, step, and fly over and through the snow. The snow knows the secrets of all these creatures and quietly shares them with the reader.

A heartfelt, lyrical ode to winter.

McGrath’s sparse, poetic text creates a winterscape that encourages the reader to be still and ponder the wonders of the natural world. Her words are impeccably chosen and exquisitely paced.

The whimsical cut-paper illustrations perfectly complement the text and add a different dimension to the story. The calming muted palette and clever details draw the viewer even farther into the world. Hidden clues to what animals will be seen on the next page prompt the reader to slow down and enjoy a little seek and find.

The Snow Knows is a lovely book and a great choice for bedtime, storytime, or quiet time. Definitely recommended to add to your winter library.

The Snow Knows by Jennifer McGrath receives 4 stars from this reviewer.