SNOWBALLS

Vibrant collages and a spare text stretch boldly across pages that must be turned sideways to be read. Snow dad, mom, children, and dog incorporate cut-paper shapes with real materials such as Bolivian hats, African kente cloth, dried corn, and crayon-bright buttons. If every month were December, these pictures would be perfect pin-ups for a calendar. There is a generous spirit to this jolly, unassuming book, as if, having given readers a satisfying meal, Ehlert keeps stuffing yet another treat into their pockets. The back matter extends the text with pages of labeled props that may prompt readers to recreate the collages in their own homes, meteorological information about snow, and photographs of real snowmen. Even the back flap gets a new role—that's where readers will find a recipe for popcorn balls. The whole package is fun to look at, fun to read, and fun to share. (Picture book. 4-10)