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So Cold!
32 pages, Hardcover
Published November 10, 2024
13 people want to read
About the author
John Coy
40 books46 followers John Coy is the author of young adult novels, the 4 for 4 middle-grade series, and fiction and nonfiction picture books. John has received numerous awards for his work including a Marion Vannett Ridgway Award for best first picture book, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor, Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, Notable Book for a Global Society, and the Burr/Warzalla Award for Distinguished Achievement in Children’s Literature. He lives in Minneapolis and visits schools around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 18, 2024
A delightful romp in the snow with characters who really know how to enjoy the coldest temperatures on a Snow Day. The freezing antics they get up to really makes this displaced Minnesotan wish I was back home and able to replicate all of them! Chris Park's illustrations never fail to delight as he brings life, expression, and layers of movement to every page.
December 3, 2024
Rating: 5* of five
The Publisher Says: Embrace the cold with this engaging children's book about a father and son who practice science experiments using household objects outside on a snowy day!
When the temperature drops far below freezing, many people plan to stay warm and cozy inside. But when it’s “so cold” that everyday things behave in unusual ways, it is worth the effort to get outside and play! In this vibrantly illustrated children's story, a boy and his father dress in layer after layer before braving the cold, and the youngster declares: “Call me Freezeman!”
Together the two experiment: What happens when boiling water is flung into the air? Or when maple syrup is poured on clean snow? The night before they left a banana outside: now it’s frozen solid. Can they can use it like a hammer? A helium balloon that floats inside the house changes dramatically in the freezing air.
These and other discoveries await explorers bold enough to venture out on a bright and chilly day. Back inside at the end of the day, no wonder Freezeman declares: “so cold is so fun!” This playful narrative by John Coy celebrates curiosity and exploration, while Chris Park’s brilliant artwork illuminates a winter landscape that is anything but bleak. An author’s note explains the science behind the various experiments, leaving just one question: with all these amazing activities to undertake with your favorite adult when it’s “so cold,” why would anyone prefer to stay inside?
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Cold! Glorious cold! Delicious, delightful absence of humidity, sweat, blasting battering sunshine that inescapably sears your skin in a human version of the Maillard Reaction. I'm pink like a pig, it's true, but I don't want to be treated like articulated chops! Heat rots, literally; cold preserves. You don't go to the stove to get last week's groceries...unless you're a fly larva, anyway.
So when your kidlet, nibling, or grand shows signs of hibernation to escape winter's gorgeous gift of escape from the horror that is heat, present them with this adorable little exploration of the reason for, and fun of, the cold.
Particularly pleased props for the story featuring Dad, not Mom, doing stuff with the kidlet. Text is suitable for independent reading, fine for lap-reading as well. I found the art suitably cold of pallette and suitably kinetic of image. It conveyed, to my eyes anyway, the desired image of activity enhanced by the cold.
I don't know how much longer this will be relevant but it is now. I recommend it.
The Publisher Says: Embrace the cold with this engaging children's book about a father and son who practice science experiments using household objects outside on a snowy day!
When the temperature drops far below freezing, many people plan to stay warm and cozy inside. But when it’s “so cold” that everyday things behave in unusual ways, it is worth the effort to get outside and play! In this vibrantly illustrated children's story, a boy and his father dress in layer after layer before braving the cold, and the youngster declares: “Call me Freezeman!”
Together the two experiment: What happens when boiling water is flung into the air? Or when maple syrup is poured on clean snow? The night before they left a banana outside: now it’s frozen solid. Can they can use it like a hammer? A helium balloon that floats inside the house changes dramatically in the freezing air.
These and other discoveries await explorers bold enough to venture out on a bright and chilly day. Back inside at the end of the day, no wonder Freezeman declares: “so cold is so fun!” This playful narrative by John Coy celebrates curiosity and exploration, while Chris Park’s brilliant artwork illuminates a winter landscape that is anything but bleak. An author’s note explains the science behind the various experiments, leaving just one question: with all these amazing activities to undertake with your favorite adult when it’s “so cold,” why would anyone prefer to stay inside?
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Cold! Glorious cold! Delicious, delightful absence of humidity, sweat, blasting battering sunshine that inescapably sears your skin in a human version of the Maillard Reaction. I'm pink like a pig, it's true, but I don't want to be treated like articulated chops! Heat rots, literally; cold preserves. You don't go to the stove to get last week's groceries...unless you're a fly larva, anyway.
So when your kidlet, nibling, or grand shows signs of hibernation to escape winter's gorgeous gift of escape from the horror that is heat, present them with this adorable little exploration of the reason for, and fun of, the cold.
Particularly pleased props for the story featuring Dad, not Mom, doing stuff with the kidlet. Text is suitable for independent reading, fine for lap-reading as well. I found the art suitably cold of pallette and suitably kinetic of image. It conveyed, to my eyes anyway, the desired image of activity enhanced by the cold.I don't know how much longer this will be relevant but it is now. I recommend it.
December 13, 2024
This book celebrates cold! 23 below zero cold, to be exact!
Cold enough to do all the things our narrator has planned with Dad which will involve a lot of bundling up because all of these activities need to be done outside.
What happens to a helium balloon outside in below freezing temps? How about blowing bubbles? And what can you do with frozen bananas??
So many fun experiments because it is So Cold!
The experiments are all explained in the back. The temps need to be well below freezing. But a fun book to read and ponder - it's pretty amazing what changing temperatures can do!
Cold enough to do all the things our narrator has planned with Dad which will involve a lot of bundling up because all of these activities need to be done outside.
What happens to a helium balloon outside in below freezing temps? How about blowing bubbles? And what can you do with frozen bananas??
So many fun experiments because it is So Cold!
The experiments are all explained in the back. The temps need to be well below freezing. But a fun book to read and ponder - it's pretty amazing what changing temperatures can do!
January 23, 2026
It's part story and part science! Dad and son go outdoors for fun science experiments in below zero weather. Experiments include balloons, bubbles, banana hammer, maple syrup candy, hot water, and standing pants. Brief instructions and explanations for experiments are at the back of the book.
Reviewed from a library copy.
Reviewed from a library copy.
December 10, 2024
A father and child perform multiple science experiments when the temperature outside is well below freezing.
Good for homeschooling parents and teachers wanting fun books on early science. Not recommended for storytime as the writing is somewhat clunky.
Good for homeschooling parents and teachers wanting fun books on early science. Not recommended for storytime as the writing is somewhat clunky.
December 13, 2024
Fantastic illustrations and fun winter family vibes; I just wish there was a tiny bit more narrative. More information at the back of the book about the experiments and projects that the family did throughout the book.
January 2, 2025
It doesn't get cold enough here to do some of the experiments that are mentioned in this book (but I got friends in Minnesota who definitely do!). This book kids will find fascinating!!! I mean freezing pants?!
January 28, 2025
Every wonder about all the cool things you can do when it's 23+ below freezing? Read this book to find out! PS: I want to try the bubbles, standing pants, and maple candy first!
Themes: snow/weather/seasons/winter
Ages: Prek-5th grade+
Pub year: 2024
Themes: snow/weather/seasons/winter
Ages: Prek-5th grade+
Pub year: 2024
June 12, 2025
Very scientific and realistic except for the part where this dad is so organized, when the cold snap hits he's already bought a balloon, run a load of laundry, put a banana outside, and found a block of wood to start a nail in.
November 15, 2024
Very cool - includes a lot of fun winter science experiments
December 17, 2024
Read it. Lovely bright illustrations of a son and his dad doing experiments out in -23. I need to get some bubbles to see the crystals that form!
February 11, 2025
Loved the pictures but it makes me HATE living in a cold climate!
April 9, 2025
Checked out from FW Library in TX
July 18, 2025
Sweet story with some really cool ideas of things to try on those sub-sub-zero winter days.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews