When Will It Snow?

White, K. (n.d.). When Will It Snow? N.p.: Little Tiger Press

When Will It Snow is a book about a baby bear who is longing to stay awake during hibernation so he can see the changes of winter; however; his momma bear will not allow him to stay awake during the winter. Bears friends squirrel and mole tell baby bear all about the sights and sounds of winter.  In the end, bear is happy because he gets to meet up with his friends again in the Spring, and they were true friends to him.

The book is very appealing to children. The images are very lively and have very beautifully painted scenes. The expressions shown on the characters faces are all revealing to the situation which help the children understand how the characters are feeling emotionally when different situations arise. The conflict presented in the story is that the bear wants to stay awake for hibernation, a time when bears do not stay awake for. Bear is also sad because his friends get to stay awake and play and he does not, and bear is scared that they will not be there for him when he gets back. The conflict is resolved when bear’s mother teaches him that true friends will be there for you. In Spring, his friends are still there for him and they have fun playing in the Spring time together.

The story offers many different things to consider including what are true friends, why do bears have to hibernate during the winter, how can you simulate snow in the spring and much more. The discussions that can open from this book are ranging from discussions about friendships and science.  The settings involved are depicted realistically regarding the different changes of seasons. Obviously, the animals are not realistically represented as their faces are shown smiling or frowning, and bears do not stand upright all the time, however, the actual body shape of the animals are accurate to their description.

The stories can promote diversity as all of the characters in the book are different and have different needs. The story promotes unity and friendship among the differences.

Age Level: 4-7

Lexile Level: Not Listed