The Snow Day
on Goodreads (870)
What’s inside...
A young rabbit wakes up to a snow day and experiences the magic and delight of the falling snow. However, there is also longing as the rabbit and his mother wait for news of his father, who is grounded on a plane in a faraway city. The news that his father will be home tomorrow provides a peaceful, comforting, and perfect ending to the day.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the rabbit felt when he saw the snow outside? Can you describe a time you felt similar?
What are some of the things the rabbit did on his snow day? Which of these activities would you like to try?
Why do you think the rabbit wanted to play outside in the snow? What do you enjoy about playing outside?
How do you think the story would change if it didn't snow? What different adventures could the rabbit have?
What do you think the rabbit will do the next time it snows? Would you want to join him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the excitement of the rabbit’s snow day adventures, enhancing your child’s engagement.
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences with snow or outdoor play to the rabbit’s story, building deeper connections.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think about the character’s feelings and motivations, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child what they notice about the colors and styles used, enhancing their observation and critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of patience
Explanation: In 'The Snow Day,' the young protagonist eagerly awaits the snowfall and learns to appreciate the slow and rewarding wait for something wonderful.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand that some experiences and rewards are worth the wait, helping them develop patience in daily activities like waiting in line or for a special event.
Example Lesson: Exploring creativity
Explanation: As the snow covers the landscape, the child in the story uses the opportunity to creatively interact with the transformed environment, making snow figures and playing imaginatively.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination to transform ordinary environments into spaces of creativity and play, whether indoors or outdoors.
Example Lesson: Importance of experiencing nature
Explanation: The protagonist's interaction with the snowy landscape highlights the beauty and serenity of nature, inviting a deeper connection with the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate nature, emphasizing the benefits of outdoor activities for mental and physical health.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The child faces the minor adversities of a snowy day, such as cold weather and wet clothes, showing resilience and continued enjoyment.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to adapt and remain positive despite minor setbacks or discomforts, applicable in scenarios like trying new activities or managing small difficulties at school.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment of simple moments
Explanation: The book portrays the joy found in simple moments, like watching snowflakes fall or leaving footprints in fresh snow, emphasizing contentment in small pleasures.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to find joy in everyday moments and simple pleasures, fostering a sense of contentment and gratitude.