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Snowflake
Seemingly aimed at Young Adult readers, the emotionally mature reader will quickly notice that Snowflake's journey is a metaphor for the many joys, pains, and inevitable questions of Life itself.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1952
8 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Paul Gallico
184 books317 followersPaul William Gallico was born in New York City, on 26th July, 1897. His father was an Italian, and his mother came from Austria; they emigrated to New York in 1895.
He went to school in the public schools of New York, and in 1916 went to Columbia University. He graduated in 1921 with a Bachelor of Science degree, having lost a year and a half due to World War I. He then worked for the National Board of Motion Picture Review, and after six months took a job as the motion picture critic for the New York Daily News. He was removed from this job as his "reviews were too Smart Alecky" (according to Confessions of a Story Teller), and took refuge in the sports department.
During his stint there, he was sent to cover the training camp of Jack Dempsey, and decided to ask Dempsey if he could spar with him, to get an idea of what it was like to be hit by the world heavyweight champion. The results were spectacular; Gallico was knocked out within two minutes. But he had his story, and from there his sports-writing career never looked back.
He became Sports Editor of the Daily News in 1923, and was given a daily sports column. He also invented and organised the Golden Gloves amateur boxing competition. During this part of his life, he was one of the most well-known sporting writers in America, and a minor celebrity. But he had always wanted to be a fiction writer, and was writing short stories and sports articles for magazines like Vanity Fair and the Saturday Evening Post. In 1936, he sold a short story to the movies for $5000, which gave him a stake. So he retired from sports writing, and went to live in Europe, to devote himself to writing. His first major book was Farewell to Sport, which as the title indicates, was his farewell to sports writing.
Though his name was well-known in the United States, he was an unknown in the rest of the world. In 1941, the Snow Goose changed all that, and he became, if not a best-selling author by today's standards, a writer who was always in demand. Apart from a short spell as a war correspondent between 1943 and 1946, he was a full-time freelance writer for the rest of his life. He has lived all over the place, including England, Mexico, Lichtenstein and Monaco, and he lived in Antibes for the last years of his life.
He was a first-class fencer, and a keen deep-sea fisherman. He was married four times, and had several children.
He died in Antibes on 15th July, 1976, just short of his 79th birthday.
He went to school in the public schools of New York, and in 1916 went to Columbia University. He graduated in 1921 with a Bachelor of Science degree, having lost a year and a half due to World War I. He then worked for the National Board of Motion Picture Review, and after six months took a job as the motion picture critic for the New York Daily News. He was removed from this job as his "reviews were too Smart Alecky" (according to Confessions of a Story Teller), and took refuge in the sports department.
During his stint there, he was sent to cover the training camp of Jack Dempsey, and decided to ask Dempsey if he could spar with him, to get an idea of what it was like to be hit by the world heavyweight champion. The results were spectacular; Gallico was knocked out within two minutes. But he had his story, and from there his sports-writing career never looked back.
He became Sports Editor of the Daily News in 1923, and was given a daily sports column. He also invented and organised the Golden Gloves amateur boxing competition. During this part of his life, he was one of the most well-known sporting writers in America, and a minor celebrity. But he had always wanted to be a fiction writer, and was writing short stories and sports articles for magazines like Vanity Fair and the Saturday Evening Post. In 1936, he sold a short story to the movies for $5000, which gave him a stake. So he retired from sports writing, and went to live in Europe, to devote himself to writing. His first major book was Farewell to Sport, which as the title indicates, was his farewell to sports writing.
Though his name was well-known in the United States, he was an unknown in the rest of the world. In 1941, the Snow Goose changed all that, and he became, if not a best-selling author by today's standards, a writer who was always in demand. Apart from a short spell as a war correspondent between 1943 and 1946, he was a full-time freelance writer for the rest of his life. He has lived all over the place, including England, Mexico, Lichtenstein and Monaco, and he lived in Antibes for the last years of his life.
He was a first-class fencer, and a keen deep-sea fisherman. He was married four times, and had several children.
He died in Antibes on 15th July, 1976, just short of his 79th birthday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 12, 2023
Paul Gallico strikes again!
After reading the snow goose and breaking my heart i have had it broken yet again by this man 🤣.
Fabulous! The story, the writting style, the imagery and the lasting impression it has.
I have always worried about the feelings of our beautiful trees when they are cut down, all the animals and creatures of the world and now i have to worry about water too after reading this!
I cant give anything away here as this is so good it needs to be read with as little info as possible but the way the author has us following the life cycle of this beautiful snowflake is truely magnificent.
Another gem for my bookcase. I recieved a beautiful first addition copy of this from santa this year and i couldnt have been happier after reading it. The cover is stunning and who dosent love that old book smell! ❤
After reading the snow goose and breaking my heart i have had it broken yet again by this man 🤣.
Fabulous! The story, the writting style, the imagery and the lasting impression it has.
I have always worried about the feelings of our beautiful trees when they are cut down, all the animals and creatures of the world and now i have to worry about water too after reading this!
I cant give anything away here as this is so good it needs to be read with as little info as possible but the way the author has us following the life cycle of this beautiful snowflake is truely magnificent.
Another gem for my bookcase. I recieved a beautiful first addition copy of this from santa this year and i couldnt have been happier after reading it. The cover is stunning and who dosent love that old book smell! ❤
December 3, 2023
Another beautiful little book by PG. he certainly has a style and a niche. This is a simple and emotional story. Definitely a Christmas read. Have a hanky close at hand.
February 17, 2024
3.5 stars
A little story about a snowflake. It asked the questions, “Why and for what were we created?” From the moment the snowflake is formed to when she finally reaches the sea, in all the changes, the fears and joys of life known in her small existence, she comes to understand, “…that never, not for one single, solitary instant, had she been forgotten or overlooked by Him.”
A little story about a snowflake. It asked the questions, “Why and for what were we created?” From the moment the snowflake is formed to when she finally reaches the sea, in all the changes, the fears and joys of life known in her small existence, she comes to understand, “…that never, not for one single, solitary instant, had she been forgotten or overlooked by Him.”
January 4, 2022
Such gentle drama! If you want to raise a future water conservationist, this would be a great place to start. I bought this for a baby shower gift but it's almost more appropriate for someone at the end of their life, who needs to be reminded that they were (are) useful + loved.
A deeply spiritual read about interconnectedness, transformation and purpose.
A deeply spiritual read about interconnectedness, transformation and purpose.
December 28, 2013
Tumbling through the pale wintry sky, we follow Snowflake through her short life, from the hillsides of a mountain village to the great, stormy sea from which she finally evaporates. On the way she experiences the full range of human emotion; from great sadness and fear to deep love and contentment. From floating placidly around lakes to fighting great fires, Snowflake even has time to have children with her great love ‘Raindrop’ … in-between musing on the meaning of life, that is.
This book is simple, beautiful and very special, both inside and out. The frequent references to ‘He’; i.e. the creator whose great universal plan both bewilders and thrills little Snowflake, comes on a little strongly at times for an agnostic like myself. However, having said that, Gallico’s characteristic focus on the small joys in life is as heartwarming as always and it is clear that the way Snowflake’s short, humble, life mirrors our own could offer untold comfort to those who need it. Paul Gallico is a hugely underrated author…perhaps it’s not fashionable to write ‘nice’ books anymore? At Relish towers he will always be considered a firm favourite, particularly wherever a cat is involved (see Jennie and Thomasina). Needless to say, if you need cheering up – Gallico is your man.
http://relishreads.wordpress.com/2013...
This book is simple, beautiful and very special, both inside and out. The frequent references to ‘He’; i.e. the creator whose great universal plan both bewilders and thrills little Snowflake, comes on a little strongly at times for an agnostic like myself. However, having said that, Gallico’s characteristic focus on the small joys in life is as heartwarming as always and it is clear that the way Snowflake’s short, humble, life mirrors our own could offer untold comfort to those who need it. Paul Gallico is a hugely underrated author…perhaps it’s not fashionable to write ‘nice’ books anymore? At Relish towers he will always be considered a firm favourite, particularly wherever a cat is involved (see Jennie and Thomasina). Needless to say, if you need cheering up – Gallico is your man.
http://relishreads.wordpress.com/2013...
Read
June 26, 2018found this sorting books for the library booksale, and borrowed it because I like many of Gallico's. This religious biography of a snowflake, and her marriage to a raindrop, was very odd.
November 30, 2022
So beautifully written and sad story. Really an allegory for a life and the importance of religion for certain people. Reminded me a bit about Sun-mi Hwang and her books.
January 27, 2009
This is absolutely one of the best "childrens" books I have ever read. Reminiscent of the larger meaning of the Chronicles of Narnia, it is the sweetest tale of the life and times of a snowflake and how she fits into the world and makes it better for everyone, including herself.
THANK YOU, SHERRIE!
THANK YOU, SHERRIE!
May 30, 2012
I was charmed by the story of a snowflake born in the Alps and her journey thru life. She experiences both beauty and joy as well as fear and loneliness. There is a religious underpinning to the story as she tries to understand "the One who created her" but even the non-spiritual should enjoy this beautiful story.
October 31, 2015
This certainly wasn't a bad book, but I feel that the impact the author intended it to have was lost on me. The use of Him and Creation with capitals was a bit too much for me. I understand his intentions though and it's a pretty little book. Great for bedtime reading, but not much else.
November 6, 2013
Gallico seemed to specialise in these small, feel good books, and was expert at writing a "nice" book
January 28, 2022
Poetical and charming I found this a perfect allegory of life. I enjoyed it more than when I read it in 1992.
July 6, 2015
Beautiful little book, with wonderful writing. Very special.
May 30, 2019
Paul Gallico must have been an oddity. He started out as a sportswriter/literary critic, and eventually wrote The Poseidon Adventure and a couple of psycho-hostage novels. In between times, he wrote a lot of sentimental stuff that sold like hotcakes. Some of it, like The Silent Miaow: A Manual for Kittens, Strays, and Homeless Cats his manual for orphan cats, is pretty cute. Some of it is pure schlock or, like Jennie, downright depressing.
This very short, very fast read is the life-cycle (so to speak) of a snowflake, from inception to evaporation. Gallico's snowflake is possessed of eyes, ears, a mouth to smile with and breathing apparatus (apparently, as at one point she is squeezed so tightly in a snowball that she "can't breathe"). She unites with (ie marries) a Raindrop and...has four children? It's all a metaphor for human life, of course, and "woman's place" therein. There is a mildly spiritual message but I wouldn't say it was necessarily "christian", more unitarian. I wouldn't call it a "children's book" as I don't think kids would be interested in it, particularly today.
I think this must have been the basis for an animated children's film back in the early 60s that I saw all of about twice, once on TV and once in school around Christmas. The film was better--and that's not something I usually say. The book is okay but I can't put it higher than two and a half stars. It would have been improved with pretty illustrations.
This very short, very fast read is the life-cycle (so to speak) of a snowflake, from inception to evaporation. Gallico's snowflake is possessed of eyes, ears, a mouth to smile with and breathing apparatus (apparently, as at one point she is squeezed so tightly in a snowball that she "can't breathe"). She unites with (ie marries) a Raindrop and...has four children? It's all a metaphor for human life, of course, and "woman's place" therein. There is a mildly spiritual message but I wouldn't say it was necessarily "christian", more unitarian. I wouldn't call it a "children's book" as I don't think kids would be interested in it, particularly today.
I think this must have been the basis for an animated children's film back in the early 60s that I saw all of about twice, once on TV and once in school around Christmas. The film was better--and that's not something I usually say. The book is okay but I can't put it higher than two and a half stars. It would have been improved with pretty illustrations.
May 19, 2025
The life of Snowflake from the cloud she falls from through good times and bad is perhaps a little sentimental and simple in it’s telling yet it captivates keeping the reader interested in what she encounters next in the twists and turns of her life. It is a story that enchants the reader. Written for children it can also be read by adults who may compare Snowflakes journey with that of a humans journey through life. Especially as Snowflake is given a voice and is the storyteller. Snowflake is a questioning entity whose own purpose she is not sure of but she believes in a greater being and by the end she will come to terms with what her purpose in life has been.
I really enjoyed reading Snowflake and even though it is of its time when the Christian faith was the primary religion and now the western world has become more multi faith and often appears to be a less religious society this little tale still has the ability to delight. Snowflake is no longer in print but it is still possible to buy a second hand copy (see links below). This is my only read for the 1952 Classic Club week and I am so pleased to have come across it. It’s a very short book, which will stay with me for some time and that for me shows how well Gallico writes.
I really enjoyed reading Snowflake and even though it is of its time when the Christian faith was the primary religion and now the western world has become more multi faith and often appears to be a less religious society this little tale still has the ability to delight. Snowflake is no longer in print but it is still possible to buy a second hand copy (see links below). This is my only read for the 1952 Classic Club week and I am so pleased to have come across it. It’s a very short book, which will stay with me for some time and that for me shows how well Gallico writes.
June 27, 2025
This is a cute little book that includes some wondering about the meaning of life and what is your purpose in life. It's a bit confusing because at the same time that Snowflake is discovering the world, she had knowledge of things like the earth, while not knowing what fire is. It became often too preachy and a little bit too serious. It's not that I hated it, but I have no idea how to shelf this novel, because it has a child-like tone but it is too boring for kids; it does not bring any novelty and its quite empty and purposeless to be considered an adult novel. Interesting concept but flat execution and I don't see myself ever recommending or re-reading it.
PS.: learning about Paul Gallico's life as a sportswritter makes novel seem even more random.
PS.: learning about Paul Gallico's life as a sportswritter makes novel seem even more random.
July 15, 2020
Cute little story about the life cycle of a snowflake. Not much to say since it is so short, but it's a story of contemplation about existence, understanding that everything is here for a reason, and that experiencing emotions are a part of life. There was a lot of mention about God without saying so much, but the capital He always gives that away. As someone who does not practice a religion, I still felt there was a really good message about stepping back and realizing your worth and all of the other people that you have effected in actions that you have done.
December 17, 2022
Snowflake, by Paul Gallico.
Achingly beautiful.
By an amazing coincidence, having lived a year in Liechtenstein, i was able, from his evocative description of the tiny Alpine where the story begins, to recognise it most certainly as Triesenberg, which he does not state by name, but hints at in the village signpost partly obscured by snow, leaving only some letters visible, like "T- - -S- NB-RG".
I was able to confirm my suspicions on Wikipedia when i found out that, yes indeed, he did live in Liechtenstein at the time of writing Snowflake, 1952.
Achingly beautiful.
By an amazing coincidence, having lived a year in Liechtenstein, i was able, from his evocative description of the tiny Alpine where the story begins, to recognise it most certainly as Triesenberg, which he does not state by name, but hints at in the village signpost partly obscured by snow, leaving only some letters visible, like "T- - -S- NB-RG".
I was able to confirm my suspicions on Wikipedia when i found out that, yes indeed, he did live in Liechtenstein at the time of writing Snowflake, 1952.
Read
August 26, 2024no rating. it's a children's story, i suppose. it belonged to my grandpa and i cannot talk to him about it, or any of his other books i've read because he died in 2019. it's a giant frustration. why did he like this book? did he even? if he didn't, why keep it? it's a very christian story, but he wasn't very faithful. why why whyyuhrhtigj
in times like these i must remember mr. emerson.
"At the side of the everlasting why, is a yes, and a yes, and a yes!"
in times like these i must remember mr. emerson.
"At the side of the everlasting why, is a yes, and a yes, and a yes!"
December 2, 2017
Cute concept, but clearly written by a much more God loving religious person than I am. I guess it must be nice to feel like something up there loves you so much, and maybe in the 50’s people really felt that way, but it was way too Christian for my tastes. Too bad, I felt like the idea had merit, but could have been done better
August 9, 2022
Beautiful allegory of Snowflake’s life journey from the cloud above the mountain through her time frozen on the ground, arrival of spring, descent to the valley, her union w Raindrop, her 4 children, the test of the fire, and journey to the sea.
April 16, 2025
I really liked the allegorical nature of this, and I felt it was so stirring and creative...but it did occasionally dip into preachy territory and it may have taken itself a tad too seriously at times. Lovely and original, if long-winded.
December 26, 2019
Enchanting. A timely message for these dark days
December 16, 2022
We read the first edition.
October 5, 2023
A cute book with lovely sketches and dreamy scenes.
November 24, 2023
It was a cute story about the cycle and your importance in life.
Read
December 9, 2023My dedication to the Goodreads reading challenge knows no bounds.
October 27, 2024
A sweet little book
December 30, 2024
I found this beautiful
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews