Grandpa's Snowman - Tapa blanda

Author Gary Barwin has told a charming little story.... Kitty Macaulay has done a fine job with her gentle watercolour illustrations.... The magic of this book lies in the combination of its warm illustrations and the story of a special bond between a boy and his grandfather. Recommended.--Catherine Hoyt"Canadian Materials" (03/16/2001)

Grandpa's Snowman is a playful and touching story about the loving and mischievous bond between a boy and his grandfather. A young boy practices his violin, then goes to sleep for the night. The next morning he wakes to discover a world of newly fallen snow. He hurries to join his friends playing outside, but his mother reminds him that he must first practice his violin. When she is not looking, he sneaks out the window and, together with his friends, builds a snowman. A series of family photographs shows the passage of time as this boy grows into a young man, marries, has a daughter and, all too quickly, becomes a grandfather. Grandfather and grandson share a sense of playfulness; they are two boys playing together and enjoying each other's company, despite the grandfather's increasing age. As time passes, Grandfather becomes confined to bed, but his grandson brings home a remarkable surprise that captures a part of the grandfather's childhood and provides a way for him to share in the fun of a snowy day. The wordless story is told through a series of illustrations that speak for themselves. The book is perfect for sharing, and encourages readers to discover its story and tell it together.