SNOW

Bauer provides a simple explanation of snow in this beginning level easy reader, the second in a series of weather-themed volumes from this team. The text explains cloud formation, snow crystal formation and size, and snow’s place in the water cycle, all in just a few simple sentences. Wallace provides charming watercolor illustrations of two children and a gray dog waiting for the snow and then having fun skating and sledding together. The younger child helps the main character to build a snowman on the cover, and both are so bundled up against the cold (in gender-neutral winter wear) that the reader can’t be sure if the children are boys or girls. Bold blobs of white paint serve as the snowflakes against wintry blue skies, and the scenes of spring weather with melting snow include snow-capped peaks with pink and orange shadows or reflections splashed across the mountains. First- and second-grade teachers will find this useful in the classroom for science as well as for the easy reader shelves. (author’s note) (Easy reader. 5-8)