The Snow Must Go On!: A Way, Way Off-Broadway Adventure

by Molly Wigand, Mike Esberg (Illustrator)

Why should the North Pole get all the attention at the holidays?

The fun-loving residents of Antarctic Springs put on a really big show to set the record straight: The South Pole is one jolly place to be at Christmastime/

Figure-skating penguins, a rock-and-roll snowman, a juggler, a comedian, and more... the frosty, festive troupe gives a smashing performance.

Some unexpected North Pole guests attend the show, reminding everyone, North, South, East, and West, that the holiday spirit lives all around the world.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Fiction

28 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. The cover illustration is the best, IMO. Most of the illustrations in the book are lackluster, showing just a few animals at a time, no real background, sometimes even just the arm or belly of a snowman. The story is bland, too, with forced humor. A wasted opportunity to delve into all the magic and excitement of putting on a theatrical production.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book years ago while working as a seasonal employee for Hallmark. This year, I decided to dust off this adorable Christmas story and reread it again. I loved the cute puns throughout the book as well as the great illustrations. 

[Sean Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny book perfect for the Christmas season that stands out due to the playful wit and cleverness associated with the writing. Adults can be amused too!

[Taija · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ulgh, even the three year old didn’t like this one.

[Julia Jasztal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mommy's review from 4/15/10 -


This is a cute Christmas time book - don't ask me why we read it tonight. I'm just the reader, not the picker. Although I'm not sure why this wasn't put away with the other Christmas stuff.
Anyway, the illustrations are pretty cool - I loved those and Julia liked that part as well. The story itself is worth a few chuckles, from kids and parents alike I think, and the message is adorable.
The snow people and penguins at the South Pole are upset that all the attention during the holidays goes to the North Pole so they set off to show the world that they are merry also. The snow kids are the ones who come up with the plan the town sticks with and the ending is nice, it shows kids just what the ending says, it doesn't matter where you are but what's in your hearts.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello, South Pole. Adorable little story. Everyone turns their sights to the north pole at Christmas time. Some residents at the south pole want people to know that they are merry, jolly and fun also. They decide to host a talent show. A snowman Elvis, a snowman magician, 3 penguins ice skating to "The Nutcracker Suite," a snowman comedian, are some of the auditioning talent. Really cute.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book a read to Tyler. He loves it. We read it a lot ; )

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The snowpeople and penguins of the South Pole want the world to know what a cool place they live in, so they decide to put on a big show. But with everybody participating, who will watch their show?

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked it

[Kathryn Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute story about the South Pole wanting to be a part of Christmas too. Great illustrations and would be a fun book to read aloud to a class.

[Laura Serrao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute cute story. I was pleasantly surprised. I judged a book by the cover and was anticipating it to be another awful Christmas book.

[msfox_librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 2nd graders and their teacher laughed at this book when I read it in the library today. It's a nice holiday book that isn't too heavy on Christmas specific things which is nice for classes that have a diverse make up where not everyone is Christian or celebrates Christmas. Santa does make an appearance at the end, but as a character that is just there to watch the show, not as a main part of the story.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fails, imo, on appealing & cute. Also fails in its mission to remind us of the truth of Antarctica, because in December there, it's daylight almost 24 hours (depending on how close to the true pole you are, of course). And who made the snowmen?

Little Free Library find. I'll put it back, but I hope the next reader discusses the science with their child.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

My guys thought it rather boring

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some clever puns and cute art.

[Jonathan Ahmadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story for my son

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story of winter, wonderfully illustrated. Students loved it.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

South Pole citizens put on a show, but wait for who?

[Melenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty cute read

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 3 out of 5]

My love of reading started when i was young, and it gives me immense pleasure to provide books to Spread the Word Nevada, an organization that passes them on to children in the community. They are a terrific organization supporting an important cause. If your local I encourage you to check them out. For those living further a field, look in your own community, their may already be a similar program in place. And if not, you can always help start one.

http://spreadthewordnevada.org/

Myself, I go out on the weekends and
shop thrift store and bulk book lots to rescue books and donate them. Sometimes I'll find a book I remember reading when I was young and will read it again before passing it on.

I don't rate these books using my normal scale, instead I give most of them three stars. This isn't a Criticism of the book, simply my way of rating them as good for children.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice tale about a show at the South Pole. The narrative is fun and the illustrations are cute. The story is well-intentioned and isn't the typical Christmas tale. But it is, unfortunately, utterly forgettable.

[Tanya Wadley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just fun winter reading, no messages, just light, fun reading.

[Melina Kinder · Rating 3 out of 5]

THe story is cute and touching. It's about the south pole and them wanting to participate in the Christmas cheer by putting on a show.