The Snow Knows
What’s inside...
Winner of 2017 Canadian Children's Book Centre Awards, Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and Shortlisted for 2017 New Brunswick Book Awards, Alice Kitts Memorial Award for Excellence in Children's Writing (Picture Book) and 2017 Atlantic Book Award, Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration; The paperback edition of the award-winning hide-and-seek picture book exploring the wild animals of winter. In this deceptively simple children's picture book, a pair of award-winning storytellers share the joys of winter. A lyrical prose poem, The Snow Knows introduces readers of all ages to animals both domestic and wild, celebrating wilderness and outdoor play. With gorgeous, whimsical hide-and-seek illustrations, this beautiful book is destined to be a perennial winter favourite.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the snow so special in this story?
How do you think the animals feel about the snow?
Can you imagine what it would be like to explore the snowy woods like the characters?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
If you could ask the snow one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, reinforcing a positive connection with reading.
Extend the conversation by comparing snow experiences in your child’s life with those depicted in the book.
Invite your child to draw a scene from the book, aiding in their understanding and appreciation of the story’s themes.
Use expressive reading to make the story come alive, varying your tone and pace to maintain your child's interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: Through its depiction of various wildlife and scenic winter landscapes, 'The Snow Knows' encourages children to notice and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in outdoor activities, observing wildlife, and participating in environmental conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book follows a journey through the snow, filled with questions and discoveries about the animals that thrive in winter conditions, promoting a sense of wonder and inquiry.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask questions about their surroundings and seek out answers, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: As children read about how different animals survive and adapt to winter, they learn to appreciate the challenges faced by other living beings, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This understanding can translate to better social skills as children learn to consider and understand perspectives and difficulties different from their own.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The unfolding storyline in a serene snowy setting teaches the value of patience as many natural processes do not happen instantly but require time to develop.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more patient in their daily activities and understand that some things, like nature, cannot be rushed.