Who Will Make the Snow?

Кротяча епопея #1

by Taras Prokhasko, Marjana Prokhasko (Illustrator), Jennifer Croft (Translator)

The two newest moles in the forest learn to dig themselves out of their comfort zones and experience the boundless, unpredictable world around them—a Social Emotional Learning adventure

Twin moles, Purr and Craw, are born on the first day of spring. The newest members of their woodland world, they’re curious about everything. What is swimming? Why does mother speak French as she makes pancakes? What does father scrawl in his notebook? Do animals live in the sea? Why do grownups eat smelly cheese? How do we get better when we're sick? What happens when we die? As they start to grow up, every day is filled with another adventure as they explore the peculiar characters that surround them in the forest. Home is always waiting for them, filled with the clacking of father’s typewriter, the sound of mother playing her upright bass, and the smells of quince jam and medicinal moss brews. During their adventures outside the home, they learn that the world is sometimes scarier, stranger and more dangerous than it seemed from the pocket of their father’s coat. Each new encounter leaves Purr and Craw a little braver and wiser and with a few extra friends. Beautifully illustrated with scenes of mischief and discovery by Marjana Prohasko, Who Will Make the Snow? reminds us that the world is always larger and more wonderful than we can see from our own corner of the woods.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Picture Books, Animals, Ukrainian Literature, Family, Ukraine

87 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Taras Prokhasko studied Biology at Lviv University. He has worked as a radio operator, an editor, a bartender, the host of a radio program, a forester, a teacher, a gallery proprietor, a screen writer, a video operator and a gardener. For the past ten years he has worked as a journalist. He is the author of Inshi dni Anny (Anna's Other Days, 1998), FM Halychyna (FM Galicia, 2001), Neprosti (The UnSimple, 2002), Leksykon tayemnykh znan (Lexicon of Secretive Knowledge, 2005), Z tsyoho mozhna bulo b zrobyty kilka opovidan (Could Have Made a Couple of Stories from This, 2005), and Port Frankivsk (2006). He has also published a number of books in his Inshiy Format series featuring interviews he conducted with leading Ukrainian intellectuals. Several of Mr. Prokhasko's books have been translated and published in Poland, Russia and Germany. His novella Necropolis and novel The UnSimple have been translated and published in English. Taras Prokhasko is the recipient of the Joseph Conrad Award (2007) as well as Korrespondent magazine's Best Ukrainian Book Award (2006, 2007).

Reviews

[Jolanta (knygupė) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5*
Mano vieno iš pačių mylimiausių Ukrainos rašytojų labai miela knygutė vaikams. Nuostabiai iliustruota autoriaus žmonos, dailinkės Marjanos Prokhasko.

Knygutė – apiie gausią kurmių šeimyną bei kitus girios gyventojus. Gimus kurmiukams-dvinūkams keliaujam su jais per metų laikus ir susipažįstam su aplinka bei savimi. Ir dar apie tai – kas daro sniegą.



Beje, leidykla “Aukso žuvys” išleidžia Taraso Prokhasko man stogą nurovusį romaną “Nepaprastieji”. Nepražiopsokit :)

[Iryna Khomchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Я наче заново познайомилася з Тарасом Прохаськом — філософом і химерником, який виявився ще й неабияким майстром дитинства. Саме так, бо у цій книжечці, крім чистої радості дитинства, по суті, більше нічого й немає. Ані якогось сюжету зі стандартними зав’язкою, кульмінацією та розв’язкою. Ані якоїсь чітко вираженої думки, котру можна було б назвати ідеєю твору. Ані ще чогось такого великого й конкретного, притаманного типовим у нашому розумінні книгам.

Однак тут є головне: щастя — величезне неймовірне щастя, котре наповнює кожну хвилинку життя кротячого сімейства і не тільки їх і якимось дивним чином передається читачам. Ми з сином посміхалися й обіймалися, вкладаючись спати після читання Прохаськів. Ми щиро вірили, що коли дочитаємо книгу — піде сніг (і погляньте-но за вікно!). А ще ми зрозуміли багато важливих речей. Наприклад, те, що мама повинна приділяти час і своїм захопленням, й тоді всі в родині будуть на дещицю щасливішими. А тато повинен займатися виключно улюбленою справою, і тоді всі будуть іще щасливішими. А діти мають просто бути щасливими, боятися і позбавлятися страху, ставити мету і досягати її, насолоджуватися лимонадом і какао, дбати одне про одного і ще трошки про когось чужого. А коли випаде сніг — кататися на санчатах, бо для чого іще сніг роблять ті кроти-сови-зайці-лисиці-білки-бобри-яструби-всі інші, які померли й оселилися на небі? Правильно: щоб зробити усіх іще трошки щасливішими...

[Hymerka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Важко раціонально пояснити, чим же чіпляє ця книжечка. У ній навіть сюжету як такого немає: простенькі замальовки життя кротячого сімейства та їхніх друзів, такі ж наївні ілюстрації.
Але книжечка вдалася, вона дуже-дуже затишна. Все-таки треба бути таким же майстерним письменником, як пан Прохасько, щоб зуміти так гарно написати для дітей.
Раджу дарувати цю книжечку на Миколая, вона - наче горнятко какао - зігріє вас зимового вечора.

[Bigminipig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Небесні кротенята! Яка мила історія! Ви знали, що кроти після смерті стають білими, живуть на хмарах та виробляють сніг?
Увага! Відгук не закликає вбивати кротів заради снігової зими.

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Thank you NetGalley and Archipelago for the opportunity to read this book.]

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"Who Will Make the Snow" is a heartwarming and whimsical children's book. It tells the story of a family of moles, whose two new pups were born on the first day of spring. As they grow up, surrounded by their lovingly family and friends, the two little moles discover each season, how the forest change throughout the year, and enjoy each moment.

The illustrations are really lovely and made the story feel even cosier. I'm sure kids reading this book will enjoy spotting all the little details in the moles' house, the forest, the Under the Oak Café…!

I'm not completely sure who the target audience might be though—either a child who's already used to reading alone (the book has several chapters, which makes it easier to pause and continue later), or one whose parents can read the story to.

-

I definitely recommend that cute story for the autumn and winter seasons!

[Ksenia Bliznets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Яка мила історія! Про Буковий ліс, про сімейство кротів і про інших мешканців цього лісу. Такі класні персонажі, от усі-всі. А які імена! (Ержіка й Жужіка - просто любов :)
Ми з дітьми з задоволенням прочитали цю казку і хочеться відразу читати продовження... але, на жаль, його у нас нема. Сподіваюся, видавництво перевидасть усю серію.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viena no jaukākajām bērnu grāmatām - par kurmīšu ģimeni, viņu daudzajiem mazuļiem un citiem meža iemītniekiem. Sirsnīgi par draudzību, drosmi, neatlaidību, sava ceļa meklējumiem. Un arī filosofiski un skaisti - par to, kas taisa sniegu ❄️ Fantastiskas ilustrācijas.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Marjana (illustrator) & Taras Prokhasko. Translated from the Ukrainian by Boris Drayluk & Jennifer Croft (2023) Originally published in Ukraine in 2013 by the Old Lion Publishing House, Lviv. Elsewhere Editions, 2023.

The everyday family adventures of the Mole family, beginning with the birth of the newest additions to the family - a set of twins, the 12th & 13th children -- Purl (named for her purring sound) and Crawly, so named because he crawls away right after his birth (not too far, he's soon found!)

Sweet funny adventures with lovely illustrations -- remind me a bit of the feel of Moomintrolls (funny, whimsical, endearing) told in 7 chapters. The mole family experiences the seasons -- summertime, with picnics and eating berries, to wintertime and the first experience of snow, and sledding. There's the Under the Oak Cafe, frequented by the various animal residents of Beechwood Forest, run by Edgeward, a hedgehog, who loves to travel and shares stories of his adventures with his customers.
Would be great before bedtime reading for elementary age children.

[chiara 🖤 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was such a fun experience! I needed something fresh and cosy like this book and it didn’t disappoint me at all.
The story of these moles has the power to fill your heart, making you feel part of the forest itself. The drawings helped me to get through the setting, they surely make the reader to appreciate the surroundings which are extremely homely and pleasant. I loved to read about the animals’ lives during the different seasons, they behaved as a human family, living in a human town full of love and kindness.
I can’t help but suggest you to read this novel even if you’re not a child.
It warms your heart and it’s perfect when you’re in a reading slump. The atmosphere and the plot can make you forget reality, letting you relax and enjoy being a kid again.

[Oleksander Lysenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Затишна дитяча книжечка про страх, смерть і радість пізнання. Цілком заслужено долучена до рекомендацій 2023 дитячої літератури від The New York Times. Єдине, що сім'я трохи патріярхальна як на сьогодення.

[Nazarii Zanoz]

Гарне і таке, що місцями розчулює. Про стосунки в великій родині і про діялоги з дітьми

[Linda Vituma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un kā lai tagad turpina cīņas ar kurmjiem dārzā? :D Trakums, ko tās bērnu grāmatas ar mani dara - viss dārzs būs kurmju rakumos, bet es tik’ smaidīšu un priecāšos ;)

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful and whimsical children's story of a family of moles who welcome twins in the Spring and explore the changing seasons as they go on adventures within their forest community. Written in 2013 in the Ukraine, this edition represents the first English translated edition. The illustrations were just beautiful and hearken back to the world of Beatrix Potter and Winnie the Pooh. There was a surprising amount of text and actual chapters with such complex words as cauldron. I'm not sure of the targeted age group, but I can certainly imagine a precocious youngster learning a whole host of new words from this charming animal adventure. Thank you to NetGalley and Archipelago for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Natalya Misyuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Моя улюблена книжка з сучасних українських дитячих. Про життя і пригоди багатодітної сім’ї кротів.

Речі, які мені у ній особливо подобаються:

1. Ілюстрації. Не намилуватися ними, такі вони щирі, милі, оригінальні. Мабуть, це пастельними олівцям�� намальовано. Супер. У нашу цифрову пору це особливо велике щастя — для мене.

2. Сцена, коли під час прогулянки тато несе дитлахів у кишенці. Це так схоже на мої дитячі спогади. Коли йдеш поруч з дорослим ввечері, а простір навколо такий темний і незрозумілий, а ліхтарі жовті і високі, а твій дорослий такий сильний і безстрашний і вміє жити у цьому світі.

3. Небанальні персонажі: кроти!

4. Сюжети без насильства. Ось на цьому хочу детальніше зупинитися. По-перше, такі придумати і написати — і щоб було цікаво — дуже складно. Саме тому таких книжок так мало. По-друге, я сама стараюся працювати у такому жанрі, і мені тому цікаво подивитися, як це роблять інші. По-третє, хоча саме насильницьких сюжетів багато серед народних казок, моя баба Устя уникала їх у казках, які переповідала або вигадувала для мене. По-четверте, мене взагалі дуже цікавить, яким би міг бути цей світ без насильства. Чи міг би бути взагалі? І тому я звертаю увагу на сюжети, де автору вдалося обійтися без вбивств і харчового ланцюжка.

Цю книжку я купила на ОЛХ, бо нові закінчилися і не продавалися. Мені дістався примірник обтріпаний — і для мене це показник того, що хтось до мене цю книжку любив і багато-багато разів прочитав.

Хоча більшість книжок, які я купила і прочитала, я віддаю у бібліотеки, з цією я поки що розлучитися не змогла. Сама не знаю чому, але мені ще поки що потрібно, щоби вона стояла на моїй поличці.

Я знаю, що вона є у перекладах англійською, латиською, чеською, словацькою і корейською. Однозначно рекомендую читати, а також дарувати друзям за кордоном.

[Alexander Asay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming tale, originally published in Ukraine, follows mole twins, Purl and Crawly, as they emerge from their burrow into a generally welcoming world. The story unfolds through the changing seasons in Beech Forest, a utopian setting reminiscent of the Hundred Acre Wood or Moominvalley, where animal residents enjoy the comforts of community at places like the Under the Oak Café.

The narrative is rich with detail, from Papa Mole's gossipy newspaper, The Daily Mole, to Mama Mole's double bass performances and her quince jam-making. The twins' adventures are both whimsical and educational, exploring questions from the mundane to the profound: "What happens to moles when they die?" Their mother's poetic response about moles living in the clouds to make snow introduces young readers to themes of life and death in a comforting, if fanciful, manner.

Marjana Prokhasko’s illustrations, done in colored pencil, gouache, and ink, depict the moles as endearing, anthropomorphic blobs, blending into their cozy, domestic environments. Despite the light-hearted tone, the book doesn't shy away from life's tougher moments, like an autumn flood, adding depth to the story's cozy veneer.

Sweet but not saccharine, with occasional long thoughts buried in the fuzzy warmth, this short chapter book is perfect for children aged 7-9, offering both entertainment and gentle life lessons. It is a testament to the resilience and curiosity of its characters, set against the backdrop of a country currently at war, providing a poignant contrast that adds layers to its simplicity.

[Theediscerning · Rating 2 out of 5]

A surprisingly successful book, from the original Ukrainian, that has gone down well everywhere – except with me, it seems. I felt this really weak, with everything inconsequential. This happens, and it's to little effect. Then this happens, and nothing comes of it because something else is going to happen. I guess from reading about this that it will all build into some lessons about bravery, home, family and so on, but I certainly didn't get that far. And yes, there is a place for books that don't spoonfeed a message, but this just plodded on through it's frankly daft range of narrative decisions, and didn't appeal to me. I liked the visuals, mind, so it's not all a waste of time, but there is evidence of this being a little less than a vital purchase – namely the ten years it took to find someone who wanted to translate it to English, and the fact the four sequels weren't bought with the rights to this as a job lot. Telling. Either way, this overlong muddle is two stars, and that practically all for the artwork.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Don't be afraid --- the world's a little tough, but it's interesting this way..."

Spend an exciting year with two young moles as they experience all the wonders that each passing season brings to their lives.



There's a real The Wind in the Willows feel to this translated tale, and I suspect it would also appeal to Moomin fans. It's a little text-heavy for a picture book, but it would make a wonderful curl-up-and-read-together story. This is an utterly charming tale with sweet illustrations.

The ending made me cry a bit as I used to fall asleep to the tap-tap-tap of my dad's typewriter.

Thanks to NetGalley and Elsewhere Editions for sharing.

[Garrett Zecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really really really enjoyed reading this book about Purr and Craw and their daily adventures asking a series of very, very deep questions. It was a bedtime book I randomly chose off a new shelf at the library, but while we borrowed it it became one of those over and over favorites until we returned it. The existential questions are presented in a very vulnerable and beautiful way, along with illustrations of the mole family and navigating the neighborhood’s residents in search of who loves cheese, who loves the snow, and what everyone’s personal adventures are including the meaning of death and ‘the end’. This provides a beautiful approach to discussing and exploring social emotional wellness and attention to others, empathy, in a manner that certainly doesn’t feel like it. It also brings about big beautiful questions. Just a wonder of a little book with a big heart and gorgeous illustrations throughout.

[Vidya Tiru · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is adorable, beautiful, comforting, delightful, heartwarming, and so very whimsical! It tells the story of a family of moles, whose newest members are Purr and Crawly, twin moles born on the first day of spring.

As we follow the twins and the rest of the family, we learn and discover a lot. From how things grow to how to be bold. The stories delight and inform while the artwork inspires coziness and nostalgic warmth, making it a great winter read. Well, an all-round the year anytime read for anyone actually!

A treasure indeed. I look forward to more from this Ukranian duo – Taras Prokhasko and Marjana Prokhasko.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the digital copy of this book

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and gentle story about newborn twins and a year in the life of a mole family and their friends in the forest. In picture book format but with 7 chapters, I’m not sure of the target audience, but it would be a fun week-long bedtime read. The book has a childlike innocence and wisdom such as in “Winnie the Pooh.” It’s touching to learn just who the makers of snow are.
The illustrations are beautiful.
This book is translated from Ukrainian, and it’s lovely to get a glimpse into another culture.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I read a digital copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
In a year's worth of seasons, readers get to know the mole family and their 13 children. Mama Mole is a musician and Papa Mole writes the daily newspaper. The Mole children discover the world around them from hatching bird eggs, to swimming beavers, adopting a hare and who makes the snow? Gentle illustrations accompany the text.

[Jenna Stensland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a a whimsical cozy story. We follow a family of moles through the seasons. This is an early chapter book that includes some illustrations. It feels just like any family and there sweet stories are perfect for the gentle reader. This would make a good bedtime book for my boys either as a family read aloud or to read to himself for my independent reader.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Edelweiss, for the review copy. This was a cute story, that reminded me of Our Friend Hedgehog, The Wind in the Willows, and other classic animal stories. It would make a great family or K-2 read aloud.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that I would have loved as a little girl. So cozy and whimsical with childlike illustrations that provide details of a cozy home for a family of loving moles and their forest friends.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it. Loved the illustrations though all the animals looked relatively similar. Bizarre little tale. And yes, we do find out who makes the snow. The mole family seems delightful if a bit lackadaisical.

[Dace Strautkalne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mīļš stāsts par kurmīšu ģimeni, kas cītīgi strādā un jauki atpūšas, rūpējas viens par otru un adoptē trusenīti 😊
Laba lasāmviela kopā ar bērniem pirms miega.

[Enotka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Читаю вдруге, вже з Катею. І вдруге дивуюся простоті і глибині.

[Ira Sliusar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Дуже сподобалася книжка, доньці 5 і теж дуже сподобалося

[Helen Nesteriuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Чудова книжечка. Єдине, якщо ви з дитиною ще не розмовляли на тему смерті(бо там по-казковому описано що сніг роблять рідні, що померли), то можливо варто відкласти цю книжку

[Diana Sulakova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Дуже добра книга, що переносить у безтурботне дитинство й хоч трохи допомагає перемкнути мозок перед сном коли ти тривожна доросла.