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A Really Good Snowman
On the day of the big snowman-building contest, Jack goes to join Angie and Melden in the park, with his tag-along little sister, Nancy, sticking to him like glue. Nancy loves to help Jack, but her “help” can be disastrous, so he’s relieved to find that the rules say no more than three to a team. Then he sees that this time Nancy is the one who needs help, and to his own surprise, he pitches in . . . and enjoys it!
In this lively story, the tensions of a big brother-little sister relationship are more than balanced by the underlying bond of affection and loyalty. The engaging animal characters who made their debut in The Saturday Escape discover that a good idea and lots of snow are important, but it’s teamwork that makes a really good snowman.
In this lively story, the tensions of a big brother-little sister relationship are more than balanced by the underlying bond of affection and loyalty. The engaging animal characters who made their debut in The Saturday Escape discover that a good idea and lots of snow are important, but it’s teamwork that makes a really good snowman.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 17, 2005
13 people want to read
About the author
Daniel J. Mahoney
9 books2 followersDaniel J. Mahoney is a radiologic technologist, as well as a children’s book author and illustrator.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 29, 2019
Good for preschool aged ST. A little long but I did do it for toddlers.
December 12, 2019
A nice story with a winter theme. The illustrations are cute.
December 23, 2014
Horn Book (Spring 2006)
Bear Jack is relieved to learn that his little sister can't work with him and his friends in a snowman contest--only three are allowed per team--until his conscience gets the better of him. There's nothing original about the theme or the resolution, but the leisurely storytelling and witty art distinguish t?is offering from others of the sibling-trouble variety.
Kirkus Reviews (October 15, 2005)
Mahoney again extols the benefits of cooperation, bringing back the animal cast from The Saturday Escape (2002) for a snowman-building contest in the park. Jack's pesky little sister Nancy wants to help, but since the rules say only three per team-and Jack already has two friends-she's on her own. When Nancy's solo project is attacked by bullies, though, Jack does some soul searching and leaves his buddies to lend her a paw. Nicely reflecting the tale's intimacy and light tone, the author creates a snowy, spacious landscape in which snowmen of diverse, often humorous design, and their small, furry, well-bundled-up creators mingle. In the end, Nancy's snow bear doesn't win the prize-but Jack discovers that he's had such a good time helping her that it really doesn't matter, and home they go, hand in hand. A well-crafted, low-key tale, more warming than a cup of steaming cider. (Picture book. 6-8)
Library Media Connection (January 2006)
When Jack enters a snowman-building contest he has to choose whether he will team-up with his friends or help his younger sister. Being the wonderful big brother that he is, Jack decides to help Nancy create a snowman (which looks exactly like her, of course). Jack and Nancy don't win the contest. Jack understands, and his friends agree, that if he hadn't helped his sister then she would have had no chance of winning the contest at all, making this a sweet story, if slightly formulaic. Additional Selection. Pam WattsFlavin, Children's Librarian, Arlington, Massachusetts & Professor, Lesley University
School Library Journal (November 1, 2005)
K-Gr 3-In a simple, tender way, this book captures the frustration, love, and annoyance of being an older sibling. Jack's little sister, Nancy, likes to help with his projects. Unfortunately, her "help" usually spells ruin. When he and his friends enter a snowman-building contest, Nancy tags along. Jack is relieved when the contest rules forbid a fourth team member, and Nancy sulks off to build her own snowman. When some older boys harass her, Jack leaves his friends and helps her. Even though his former teammates take first prize, Jack feels good about his decision. The acrylic illustrations of the animal characters add humor and tenderness to the already sweet, funny story. Their faces are particularly expressive, and the visual jokes add another dimension to the simple text. This is an enjoyable read-aloud that also lends itself well to independent reading.-Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Bear Jack is relieved to learn that his little sister can't work with him and his friends in a snowman contest--only three are allowed per team--until his conscience gets the better of him. There's nothing original about the theme or the resolution, but the leisurely storytelling and witty art distinguish t?is offering from others of the sibling-trouble variety.
Kirkus Reviews (October 15, 2005)
Mahoney again extols the benefits of cooperation, bringing back the animal cast from The Saturday Escape (2002) for a snowman-building contest in the park. Jack's pesky little sister Nancy wants to help, but since the rules say only three per team-and Jack already has two friends-she's on her own. When Nancy's solo project is attacked by bullies, though, Jack does some soul searching and leaves his buddies to lend her a paw. Nicely reflecting the tale's intimacy and light tone, the author creates a snowy, spacious landscape in which snowmen of diverse, often humorous design, and their small, furry, well-bundled-up creators mingle. In the end, Nancy's snow bear doesn't win the prize-but Jack discovers that he's had such a good time helping her that it really doesn't matter, and home they go, hand in hand. A well-crafted, low-key tale, more warming than a cup of steaming cider. (Picture book. 6-8)
Library Media Connection (January 2006)
When Jack enters a snowman-building contest he has to choose whether he will team-up with his friends or help his younger sister. Being the wonderful big brother that he is, Jack decides to help Nancy create a snowman (which looks exactly like her, of course). Jack and Nancy don't win the contest. Jack understands, and his friends agree, that if he hadn't helped his sister then she would have had no chance of winning the contest at all, making this a sweet story, if slightly formulaic. Additional Selection. Pam WattsFlavin, Children's Librarian, Arlington, Massachusetts & Professor, Lesley University
School Library Journal (November 1, 2005)
K-Gr 3-In a simple, tender way, this book captures the frustration, love, and annoyance of being an older sibling. Jack's little sister, Nancy, likes to help with his projects. Unfortunately, her "help" usually spells ruin. When he and his friends enter a snowman-building contest, Nancy tags along. Jack is relieved when the contest rules forbid a fourth team member, and Nancy sulks off to build her own snowman. When some older boys harass her, Jack leaves his friends and helps her. Even though his former teammates take first prize, Jack feels good about his decision. The acrylic illustrations of the animal characters add humor and tenderness to the already sweet, funny story. Their faces are particularly expressive, and the visual jokes add another dimension to the simple text. This is an enjoyable read-aloud that also lends itself well to independent reading.-Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2007
Summary:
Jack doesn't like it when his little sister helps with anything, because she always messes things up. He takes her to his snowman building contest and since there is a three to a team limit, she has to build her own. Bullies pick on her, and Jack comes to protect her. They finish building her snowman, even though Jack's friends win the competition.
Reflection:
This is a fun story for winter time with a great applicable situation.
Themes:
siblings, family, friendship, winter, helpfulness
Jack doesn't like it when his little sister helps with anything, because she always messes things up. He takes her to his snowman building contest and since there is a three to a team limit, she has to build her own. Bullies pick on her, and Jack comes to protect her. They finish building her snowman, even though Jack's friends win the competition.
Reflection:
This is a fun story for winter time with a great applicable situation.
Themes:
siblings, family, friendship, winter, helpfulness
July 26, 2014
This was a story with a good moral but it seemed a little long.
December 27, 2016
Good story without being too preachy. Nice illustrations. Great winter read that has no holiday theme.
January 13, 2016
A good message...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews