Once Upon a Snowstorm

Summary:

“The story of a father and his son who live by themselves in a cosy cabin in the woods. But, one day they are separated out in the beautifully falling snow. The boy is lost and falls asleep. When he wakes up he is surrounded by blinking eyes, a rabbit, a fox, an owl and all manner of other creatures have surrounded him! But with a bear hug he and the woodland animals become best of friends! But soon he misses his dad and so the animals bring him back home. The father opens up his heart and home, and lets nature and love envelop their previously lonely existence.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review:

With soft illustrations this wordless picture book tell the beautiful story a boy and his father live alone in the woods – not a bad existence, but a lonely one. I really enjoyed the soft illustrations both in color palette and style. On the first page, if you’re paying attention the smoke from the chimney drifts away in the shape of wild animals. And I knew from that page, I’d like these illustrations. The theme continues as you see wild animals in the snowflakes of the storm, but my absolute favorite page had to the spread of wild animals and the boy when he’s surprised them in the cave! Their faces are absolutely priceless (especially the chipmunk)! And in the end, I really enjoyed seeing the father and sone outside enjoying nature together.

Final Thoughts:

This beautiful wordless picture book can be read over and over again adding more details each time you pour over the pictures. Add more of the father and son’s backstory and what happens in the springtime after the last page. Give the animals names and traits and when you’re done get outside and enjoy some nature in your own backyard!

Important Info:

Title: Once Upon a Snowstorm
Author: Richard Johnson
Illustrator: Richard Johnson
Publisher: Faber Faber
Publication Date: November 1, 2018