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First Snow
It’s a day of firsts for Pedro….
First snowfall.
First snow angel.
First taste of a snowflake.
First sled run.
First snowball fight!
All the joy, magic, and wonder of a child’s first experiences are captured in this breathtaking picture book.
First snowfall.
First snow angel.
First taste of a snowflake.
First sled run.
First snowball fight!
All the joy, magic, and wonder of a child’s first experiences are captured in this breathtaking picture book.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Peter McCarty
36 books57 followersI was born in 1966 in Westport, Connecticut right in the middle of two older brothers and two younger sisters. We kept our mother busy while my father worked long hours at IBM. Most of my childhood was spent in my head. I was usually recreating a battle from World War II or running from dinosaurs in prehistoric times. To this day, I develop characters and environments based on worlds I first created when I was three. I am grateful to my mother who kept us surrounded with art. I come from a long line of artists and my grandmother, Grace Boyd, was the best. She died before I was born, but her fantastic paintings and drawings were all around us.
Since my father worked for IBM, we moved often. I think being on the move during my formative years has been the reason I tend to create books about returning home. By the time I graduated from high school we were living in Boulder, Colorado. At the University of Colorado, I began my long career as a professional student. I first thought I was going to be an engineer so I took all kinds of science and math classes. I enjoyed solving math problems, but I could not see myself working in a lab. Along the way, I continued to draw and create worlds as I always have. My friends and teachers were very supportive. Around the time when I should have been graduating, I decided to start over and go to art school at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I finally graduated from college, in 1992.
One of my illustration teachers, William Low introduced me to Laura Godwin, a children’s book editor at Henry Holt and Company. She gave me my first professional art job to illustrate a little science book, Frozen Man written by David Getz. I worked really hard on that book. Laura was impressed; so I was offered to illustrate a picture book, Night Driving written by John Coy. Again I did the best illustrations I knew how, like my life depended on it. One drawing of a car going over a bridge made my girlfriend cry. She said, “Oh, you can draw.” We were then married in 1995.
Night Driving was first published in 1996 and received praise from critics and won some awards. Laura Godwin then offered me the best of all offers; I could write and illustrate whatever I wanted. Little Bunny on the Move came into my mind after months of searching for a story. Little Bunny on the Move was published in 1999 and won a Best Illustrated Book of the Year from the New York Times. That book established my career and gave me the confidence to continue to write and illustrate the stories from my mind.
Since my father worked for IBM, we moved often. I think being on the move during my formative years has been the reason I tend to create books about returning home. By the time I graduated from high school we were living in Boulder, Colorado. At the University of Colorado, I began my long career as a professional student. I first thought I was going to be an engineer so I took all kinds of science and math classes. I enjoyed solving math problems, but I could not see myself working in a lab. Along the way, I continued to draw and create worlds as I always have. My friends and teachers were very supportive. Around the time when I should have been graduating, I decided to start over and go to art school at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I finally graduated from college, in 1992.
One of my illustration teachers, William Low introduced me to Laura Godwin, a children’s book editor at Henry Holt and Company. She gave me my first professional art job to illustrate a little science book, Frozen Man written by David Getz. I worked really hard on that book. Laura was impressed; so I was offered to illustrate a picture book, Night Driving written by John Coy. Again I did the best illustrations I knew how, like my life depended on it. One drawing of a car going over a bridge made my girlfriend cry. She said, “Oh, you can draw.” We were then married in 1995.
Night Driving was first published in 1996 and received praise from critics and won some awards. Laura Godwin then offered me the best of all offers; I could write and illustrate whatever I wanted. Little Bunny on the Move came into my mind after months of searching for a story. Little Bunny on the Move was published in 1999 and won a Best Illustrated Book of the Year from the New York Times. That book established my career and gave me the confidence to continue to write and illustrate the stories from my mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
August 1, 2015
"Isn't it wonderful how the snowflakes float around," said Abby. "You can even catch them on your tongue. It tastes good!"
"It tastes cold," said Pedro.
Poor grumpy little Pedro. He traveled all this way! By himself! presumably from a hot Spanish-speaking country where there's no snow.
Why do you think he's from a Spanish-speaking country, Carmen?
This little animal of indeterminate species is Pedro. And let me introduce you to his cousins: Sancho, Bella, Lola, Ava, and María.
The only reason I even know that these creatures are supposed to be children is because a bigger creature, introduced as "Mother" appears on one page.
ANYWAY. Grumpy Pedro is not impressed by snow. He just thinks it's cold. What's the big deal? Why are the other kids getting so excited to play in the white stuff?
They force Pedro into winter clothes and take him outside. We meet some other neighborhood children who are more identifiable: squirrel, cow, rabbit.
I still have no idea what the MCs are supposed to be. Maybe dogs?
The children try to convince Pedro that snow is wonderful. You can make snow angels! You can catch it on your tongue! But the thing that finally melts Pedro's skeptical exterior is
...
Sometimes it pisses me off that children's books completely ignore race and gender issues by making their MCs animals.
The illustrations are cute and old-fashioned, with muted colors and a kind of yellowish-tinge to the paper.
Tl;dr - A perfectly acceptable winter book; or a book you would turn to when dealing with a child who has never seen snow.
Ages 2 to 5.
Not available in Spanish.
"It tastes cold," said Pedro.
Poor grumpy little Pedro. He traveled all this way! By himself! presumably from a hot Spanish-speaking country where there's no snow.
Why do you think he's from a Spanish-speaking country, Carmen?
This little animal of indeterminate species is Pedro. And let me introduce you to his cousins: Sancho, Bella, Lola, Ava, and María.
The only reason I even know that these creatures are supposed to be children is because a bigger creature, introduced as "Mother" appears on one page.
ANYWAY. Grumpy Pedro is not impressed by snow. He just thinks it's cold. What's the big deal? Why are the other kids getting so excited to play in the white stuff?
They force Pedro into winter clothes and take him outside. We meet some other neighborhood children who are more identifiable: squirrel, cow, rabbit.
I still have no idea what the MCs are supposed to be. Maybe dogs?
The children try to convince Pedro that snow is wonderful. You can make snow angels! You can catch it on your tongue! But the thing that finally melts Pedro's skeptical exterior is
...
Sometimes it pisses me off that children's books completely ignore race and gender issues by making their MCs animals.
The illustrations are cute and old-fashioned, with muted colors and a kind of yellowish-tinge to the paper.
Tl;dr - A perfectly acceptable winter book; or a book you would turn to when dealing with a child who has never seen snow.
Ages 2 to 5.
Not available in Spanish.
July 29, 2017
Pedro, being stubborn, did not want to go outside because it was cold. His relatives insisted that they should move outside.
Will Pedro discover the magic of snow? Will he enjoy the dance of snowflakes?
The illustrations were pretty fantastic.
Recommended to children who are going to school for the first time.
Will Pedro discover the magic of snow? Will he enjoy the dance of snowflakes?
The illustrations were pretty fantastic.
Recommended to children who are going to school for the first time.
February 14, 2015
What an incredibly bland and boring book, plus that kid was a real whiny pain in the ass.
January 26, 2015
Pedro is visiting his cousin Sancho. While he is there, snow starts to fall, something that Pedro has never seen before. But he knows already that he won’t like the snow since it’s so cold. The next morning, his cousins are thrilled to head outside into the fresh snow that fell all night long. Pedro is very doubtful, saying again how cold it is. When the other children make snow angels, Pedro doesn’t even want to try. Other children in the neighborhood arrive with their sleds. One of them shows Pedro how to catch snowflakes on his tongue. They all take their sleds to the top of the big hill. Pedro is too cautious to go first, but soon he finds himself joining everyone else riding down the hill. He is thrown off his sled and lands in the cold snow, but he no longer finds it too cold to have fun.
McCarty deftly shows the reluctance of a child experiencing something for the first time. He handles it with a delicacy that shows the hesitation clearly and the hanging back. Yet Pedro still tries things as the day goes on, and the other children don’t force him to try anything he doesn’t want to. By the end of the day, Pedro is just as merrily playing in the snow as the others. This book shines with a gentle spirit and allows children to see themselves clearly on the page.
As always McCarty’s illustrations are a treat. I particularly enjoy seeing characters from his other picture books in this story. Plus you have the added bonus of little creatures in snow suits with room in the hoods for their ears!
An ideal pick for snowy days or a way to discuss trying something new in a gentle and supportive way. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
McCarty deftly shows the reluctance of a child experiencing something for the first time. He handles it with a delicacy that shows the hesitation clearly and the hanging back. Yet Pedro still tries things as the day goes on, and the other children don’t force him to try anything he doesn’t want to. By the end of the day, Pedro is just as merrily playing in the snow as the others. This book shines with a gentle spirit and allows children to see themselves clearly on the page.
As always McCarty’s illustrations are a treat. I particularly enjoy seeing characters from his other picture books in this story. Plus you have the added bonus of little creatures in snow suits with room in the hoods for their ears!
An ideal pick for snowy days or a way to discuss trying something new in a gentle and supportive way. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
May 22, 2018
As always McCarty’s illustrations are wonderful. They are soft pen and ink and perfect for this story especially. In this book Pedro visits his cousins and sees snow for the first time. Pedro is kind of a downer to be honest. All the kids are excited about the snow and for him to experience it for the first time and he’s not into it at all. His cousin is like it’s going to snow tomorrow and Pedro is all I don’t think I’ll like it because I don’t like the cold. Then the neighborhood kids come by and are like let’s make snow angels and he’s like no it’s cold. Then they all say we’re going up the hill to go sledding. Of course he says why but then he reluctantly does it and finally has some fun. Freakin Pedro! If he would just try some new things he would have a little fun. That’s what this book should have been about. The kids say let’s make snow angels and he says it’s too cold and they say but it will be fun and he tries and has fun! But instead Pedro is like determined not to have fun. I’m surprised he even left the house in the snow. Idk why I’m coming down so hard on this book and poor little Pedro. Kids just need to have a little fun while they can. Sorry Pedro. Lighten up and try not to be so stubborn and scared of new things.
March 28, 2015
Cousin Pedro visits from far away and experiences his first snowfall. His experiences include making a snow angel, tasting a snowflake, sledding down a hill and crashing into a snowbank at the bottom, and having a snowball fight. Although his initial impression of snow is that it's cold, he warms up to snow after his enjoyable day with his relatives and their friends. Illustrations are of cute animals dressed in winter clothes, boots, and hats. This is a good book for introducing snow and snow activities to preschool children. Endpapers are full of falling snow which will put kids in a snowy mood. Cute illustrations with subdued pastel watercolors with Pedro standing out in a bright red cap. *Additional comment- I read this to two classes of first graders today and they absolutely loved it. They seemed to identify with each of Pedro's experiences and were so excited when he said he liked the snow after the sled crashed. Heartwarming.
January 23, 2015
Not his best, but not bad. I found myself wondering if using multicultural names is as good as representations of actual multicultural kids. But it's notable that he uses hispanic names and it's not a book about being hispanic.
December 27, 2023
This book is for babies so who cares about the plot!!! The art is so cute and beautiful!!!!
January 24, 2015
Undecided.
Little Pedro comes to visit, and he's never seen snow before. But he knows it's cold, and he knows he doesn't like the cold.
On the one hand, trying new things is good. It can introduce you to something you really enjoy, and you shouldn't ever dismiss something out of hand just because you've never done it.
On the other hand, continuing to push someone who's nervous and/or unwilling to give something a go isn't cool. You've made the offer, they've declined, let it go.
To this book's credit, the other kids don't really come off as pushy. "Make a snow angel!" "No." "Then try this!" "No." "Then try this instead!" "Okay." They offer different options and don't exclude Pedro from the fun just because he's not fond of the cold. And when he does finally decide to try sledding, he has a blast and decides to try everything.
So important lessons on all sides!
Little Pedro comes to visit, and he's never seen snow before. But he knows it's cold, and he knows he doesn't like the cold.
On the one hand, trying new things is good. It can introduce you to something you really enjoy, and you shouldn't ever dismiss something out of hand just because you've never done it.
On the other hand, continuing to push someone who's nervous and/or unwilling to give something a go isn't cool. You've made the offer, they've declined, let it go.
To this book's credit, the other kids don't really come off as pushy. "Make a snow angel!" "No." "Then try this!" "No." "Then try this instead!" "Okay." They offer different options and don't exclude Pedro from the fun just because he's not fond of the cold. And when he does finally decide to try sledding, he has a blast and decides to try everything.
So important lessons on all sides!
February 1, 2015
First Snow is all about "first" experiences for little ones, which most of us know can be a scary thing for some children. In this story little Pedro comes from a place where he has never seen snow, but is visiting his cousins who live in snow country. Pedro views the snow as new and strange, but the other little ones, bunnies, chickens, and other animals, keep encouraging him to try new things like sledding and making snow angels.
I thought this book's appeal was more about the adorable illustrations than the story itself. The animals, the way they are dressed and their facial expressions are terrific. The gorgeous illustrations are done in ink and water colors. The author/illustrator is a Caldecott award winner, and his artistic talent shows through in this book once again.
I thought this book's appeal was more about the adorable illustrations than the story itself. The animals, the way they are dressed and their facial expressions are terrific. The gorgeous illustrations are done in ink and water colors. The author/illustrator is a Caldecott award winner, and his artistic talent shows through in this book once again.
October 29, 2022
Aww, this is cute. It's the illustrations that really tell the story.
Ages: 3 - 6
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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Ages: 3 - 6
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
January 13, 2015
Pedro is visiting his extended family during the winter. He has never seen snow before and isn't sure he likes it based on the fact that he prefers warm weather vs. cold. When all the neighborhood kids get together to go sledding, Pedro gets a taste for some of the joys of the season and he soon forgets about the cold and just enjoys all the fun to be had.
Love the characterization here and the simple joys of winter presented in a authentic way that helps readers revel in the joy of the first snow. Muted ink and watercolor illustrations perfectly complement the tone of this fantastic snow story. Great read aloud and must see for PreK-2.
Love the characterization here and the simple joys of winter presented in a authentic way that helps readers revel in the joy of the first snow. Muted ink and watercolor illustrations perfectly complement the tone of this fantastic snow story. Great read aloud and must see for PreK-2.
February 5, 2017
Cousin Pedro comes as a "special visitor" "from far away all by himself." A great story about being open to new experiences and the wonders of being introduced to snow for the first time. I'm guessing that Pedro is from Mexico or somewhere in South America, with the reference to "far away" and with him not liking the cold. The other "kids" gently invite him to join in--making snow angels, catching snow on his tongue, sledding, and making snowballs. Pedro is skeptical and resistant at first, but decides that he is having fun about half way down the big hill. I like that the characters (animals!) have Latino names, but the story is just about "kids" having fun.
February 6, 2015
The muted watercolor and ink illustrations are lovely.
Pedro is visiting his cousins in the winter. While he is there, it starts to snow. Pedro is sure he won't like the snow because snow is cold and he doesn't like cold! (He sounds like me!) His cousins have their work cut out for them to convince Pedro that snow can be fun!
The story is a little flat. Maybe good for trying a new experience.
Pedro is visiting his cousins in the winter. While he is there, it starts to snow. Pedro is sure he won't like the snow because snow is cold and he doesn't like cold! (He sounds like me!) His cousins have their work cut out for them to convince Pedro that snow can be fun!
The story is a little flat. Maybe good for trying a new experience.
December 29, 2014
These adorable little creatures are so excited about playing in the snow, except for their visiting cousin Pedro who isn't too sure about spending time in the cold! A great follow-up to Peter McCarty's Fall Ball
January 10, 2016
Peter McCarty captured the simple joys and fears of snow in this beautiful picture book. I have to wonder if Pedro is Peter’s alter ego? Whether you enjoy the snow or have never experienced it, this picture book is sure to make you wish you could play in the snow one more time.
http://julianaleewriter.com/books-ali...
http://julianaleewriter.com/books-ali...
January 24, 2015
A cute story about an out-of-town cousin visiting and seeing snow for the first time and, after some reluctance, discovering the joys of snow and winter fun with his cousins and the neighbor kids. Gentle illustrations with anthropomorphic characters (dogs, maybe cats and bunnies and a chicken, too?). Light and fluffy and easily forgettable, like some snowflakes.
February 10, 2015
At first I didn't like this story, and then I thought about all of my travels and how hard it is to convince others to try new things (or be persuaded myself!) I love that once he tries out snow, he can't get enough of it. :-) I've had similar experiences with new things many times!
I don't love the story, but for that very message I am grateful it exists.
I don't love the story, but for that very message I am grateful it exists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2015
Illustrations more enchanting than the text. They are what kept me reading.
Pedro is a cousin of five siblings (gets confusing to try to follow the main character, Sancho, and his cousin, Pedro, through the book since most of the faces look essentially the same). He comes to visit and experiences his first snow and it is "too cold" until he ends up loving sledding.
Pedro is a cousin of five siblings (gets confusing to try to follow the main character, Sancho, and his cousin, Pedro, through the book since most of the faces look essentially the same). He comes to visit and experiences his first snow and it is "too cold" until he ends up loving sledding.
January 7, 2015
Cousin Pedro is visiting and isn't sure he wants to try playing in the snow - it's cold, after all.
This is a perfect "trying new things" book, in McCarty's signature style, with old friends from his other books joining the fun.
This is a perfect "trying new things" book, in McCarty's signature style, with old friends from his other books joining the fun.
February 15, 2015
Even though my daughter is past the picture book stage, we were both excited to see that Peter McCarty had a new one out. His illustrations are the best.
And yes, Chloe and Henry make appearances here.
And yes, Chloe and Henry make appearances here.
February 18, 2015
This is such a cute book! I would love to use this for storytime. Cousin Pedro has never seen snow before, and doesn't think he will like it because it's cold. But when he goes sledding for the first time, he decides that he loves snow!
May 7, 2015
Cute, but I thought the visiting cousin made the jump from "don't like snow" to "LOVE SNOW" a little too abruptly, and falling in the snow after a sled ride is a weird turnaround moment. Also, I think the cousins pestering him to like the snow was a little unkind.
May 6, 2015
"Pedro visits his cousins who live far away. At first he thinks he will not like it there, but a day of many first experiences make it a very memorable trip. What are some of your favorite first experiences?"
January 10, 2015
What would it be like to experience snow for the first time? Pedro finds out and learns all sorts of fun things you do in the snow!
January 21, 2015
This is Pedro's first experience in the snow. He doesn't like it at first but learns to have fun with the help of his friends.
January 27, 2015
Sadly I don't think it's fair to rate a book solely on its illustrations. They were super cute. The story was fairly boring.
February 2, 2015
LOVE Peter McCarty's illustrations; even when the story isn't the highlight for me, the illustrations always carry me through.
February 7, 2015
When your cousin who has never seen snow arrives, how to you acclimate him to the cold and snow?? Take him outside! Soft illustrations that set a comforting scene to the book.
March 3, 2015
Pedro, who has never seen snow before, experiences winter fun when he visits his cousins. Cute, but the text felt a little choppy to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews