Over and Under the Snow
Written by Kate Messner ● Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
Verdict:
From a series of books detailing the endlessly fascinating topic of things below and things above, this thoughtful, curiosity-driving read explores what hides below snow in winter.
What is it about?
This is a quiet and thoughtful story about why the world seems so very empty of life in the winter. The book tells us there is much living going on in the winter, over the snow and under the snow. The story and softly colored, crisp-edged illustrations show where the animals go in winter, when it is snowy and cold outside. Quite a number of habitats are shown, from trees to ground to ponds. The story follows a little girl out skiing with her father, who explains the winter signs she sees. The emphasis is on stillness and rest.
Our take:
This is a large format book with full-page illustrations, so it is very suitable for family group and classroom reading aloud. The text is sufficient to explain the subject, without being too technical. The inclusion of human characters allows the listeners to put themselves into the situation, to feel the cold and the swish of skis through the snow. At the end of the book, extra explanations are offered about each animal, as well as about animal habits and habitats. There is also a list of books for further reading, inviting children deeper into the subject.
This is one book of a series of “Over and Under” books covering such habitats as the dirt, the ocean, and the rain forest. After reading this book, additional study could be made of the habitats in your own area, and how to keep them welcoming for animals.
Perfect fit for:
This book is lovely for everybody, but especially for children in wintertime. It is good for cozy evenings at home, while the snow falls outside, for classroom studies of biomes and seasons (it includes big, beautiful words like hibernate and subnivean, which we love). It is especially good for answering questions, like, "Where are the squirrels and foxes in the winter?" and "Why don't I see anything living when it is snowy outside?" Best of all, the book helps children understand cycles in life, and to be aware of living things in nooks and crannies.
Discussion starters:
Do you like snow? Why?
When it is very cold outside, how do you keep warm? Where is your nest? What do you like to put in it so it is cozy?
Do you think animals stay warm in the winter, or do they freeze and come back to life in the spring? What do they do before winter? How do we get ready for winter?
Do you think it is a good idea to store some food for winter? Should your food for winter be in the bottom of a pond or in a hollow tree or under leaves? Why do animals put their food in those places?
When everything is covered in snow and it all looks very quiet and empty, it is really still alive and sometimes busy. Are you sometimes very busy even when you are very quiet and still? Are others?
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