Robert's Snow

by Grace Lin

Robert, the smallest mouse, knows he likes snow even though he's never touched it, but when the snow comes, Robert gets lost until a special someone rescues him.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Childrens, Holiday

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 27, 2004

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a subtle holiday book. Santa is not mentioned by name or Christmas, but there is a picture of him and the red and white beard are emphasized.

This is about snow and the curious advent of snow. Robert has never seen snow and the people around him just hate it. Very typical. Most people hate winter and they can be such bummers and downers for those of us who love it.

One night the wind blows open his window which was sealed and he gets to experience it. He thrills in the joys of the cold and the light snow and all the joy that can bring. There is a moment he is worried about being lost, but luckily this giant animal in a red suit comes along and puts him back in his home. They also end up with another home during the spring thaw.

This is about snow and the pure joy of how the world changes with snow. There is a danger aspect of snow of course, but it’s like the ocean, that doesn’t mean there isn’t beauty or that we should stay out of the water.

I thought this book was cute. The kids thought it was ok. The nephew isn’t into mice or snow really, so he gave this 2 stars. The niece actually appreciated it a bit more and she connected with the mouse about the joy of something. She gave it 3 stars

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert loves the snow. I don’t. So with trepidation, I began reading this book. It’s adorable and clever, and I got a brainstorm about a great activity that could go along with it that I think kids would love. Robert and his very extended mouse family live in an old shoe that is falling apart. When winter comes, to be warm and safe, they barricade themselves inside. Their rooms are snug and tidy. They use pill bottles and loose change, bottle caps and dice, toothpicks and empty spools, alphabet blocks and tiny pieces of fabric, postage stamps and tiny boxes, corks and buttons.. They eat jelly beans and nuts. The story, although mostly about winter weather, includes a tiny, very clever bit about Santa, but I wouldn’t consider this a Christmas book, particularly, though it includes the idea of giving to others. And after the reading aloud (some pages have a bit more text than others, but the book shouldn’t take too very long to read), kids could each be given a small box, a variety of “found items,” and create their own cozy little homes for mice. Oh, what fun.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little mouse who lives in a shoe with his family sneaks out one night during a storm and can't find his way home. Who is the stranger who helps him? cute ending. length is preschool and up or one on one

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story of Robert, a young mouse who has never experienced snow, and his family. They live in an old boot and spend all their time preparing for winter and repairing the boot. They would like to find a new home, but alas, there is not time. When an accident finds Robert outside in the snow in the middle of the night, he must find a way home - with a little help from a friend.
Recommended as a read aloud for preschool and up but could work as lap read one-on-one with a younger child. Snow/winter/mice theme

[Christine Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Too much snow," Grandpa Mouse grumbles. "Snow is just trouble," scoffs Aunt Vicky. "Small animals like us," Mum says, "don't like snow."But Robert, the smallest mouse, knows he likes snow, even though he's never touched it. When he finally gets his wish to go outside and play in it, Robert is overjoyed. Snow is wonderful! That is, until he can't find his way home. Is there anyone who can help him? There is, and even though little Robert doesn't recognize his rescuer, readers will--because it's . . . Santa!

Note: This book started off slow. It would work in storytime, but you would need a group of children who are able to focus more on the story and less on the illustrations.

[Eva Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great Christmas one about two of the best things: MICE and SNOW!
The mouse is named Robert and he wants to go out and play in the snow, and everyone says he better not, but he goes anyway and he ALMOST gets lost.
But Santa saves him and he doesn't just come home. They get a new house too. It's a boot. I bet THAT doesn't happen very often!
You know what was great about this one? Was the way that the mice use little things that we just throw away. Their boot house just looks COZY and I wish I was little enough to live there too. But then I'd live in a house full of mice.

[Rachel Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a about a small mouse who's dream it is to go out into the snow. When it becomes snowfall he got his wish and was about to go out. He was overjoyed and had so much fun! After some time he comes to find that he has lost his way home and he didn't know where he was! He was so frightened...it became dark and he started to loose hope. BUT THEN Santa came to his rescue! He was so grateful. This book would be great to read to children because who doesn't love Santa!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about a mouse who is eager to experience snow. There is a surprise, (wink.)

The character is names after Lin's husband Robert, who, due to an illness could not go out in the snow. In reading the author's note of "When the Sea Turned to Silver," I learned that Robert died of cancer. A followup book is Robert's Snowflakes.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mouse family is boarding up for the winter. But Robert Mouse would love the opportunity to see snow and winter. You'll never guess what happens and who he meets. Great book to include in a winter study about Good King Wenceslas or giving to others.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adorable story about a mouse who lives in a beat-up shoe with his family and wanting to touch and play in the snow.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert ventures out into the snow, only to be rescued by a human who brings him back to his family's old shoe, but come spring, the human gives the mouse family a new shoe to live in.

[Kali Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert and his family of mice live in a shoe in a field, the shoe is old and needs repair. The family talks about moving to a new home, however, it is too close to winter and they do not have time to find a new home, as snow would be coming soon. Robert has never felt snow, he has never played in snow and wanted to go out and play in it so bad. After a few days of collecting berries, nuts, firewood, blankets and beddings, they sealed the windows and doors shut as they were not going out in the winter. Robert went up to is tiny room at the top of the boot, he could not sleep, the wind blew the window open and he leaned out so far, he fell out. He played and played and when it was time to go home he looked around and did not see his house. Finally, he saw a big animal dress in red who picked him up and took him home. Robert was so happy, he played in snow and was some, he thanked Santa and went to sleep. When his family opened the door, they were surprised to see a new boot for them to move in, who could have put it there, Robert knew but did not say.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little text heavy at times for the intended audience but still a really cute story. It's kind of fun to look at the things in the mouse's house and try to figure out what they are (ex- the plates are bottle caps). I also like how the human that helps Robert looks a bit like Santa but Santa/Christmas is never mentioned.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and sweet book that captures the joy of snow and also how things that are fun can also be dangerous.

[Sierra Eva 🌻 Strauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute. Read with my son.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.9! 😊

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun winter story about a little mouse excited about snow and the surprise visitor who helps him when he's caught out in the cold.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute seasonal book.