A Perfect Snowman

by Preston McDaniels

Dressed in his best hat and scarf, with the finest carrot nose, and the roundest coal eyes, the perfect snowman believed that having the best of everything was all there was to life, and all that really mattered. But after receiving a visit from two special friends and a little girl who appeared out of nowhere, like an angel, the snowman begins to realize the true qualities that make him so special.

Using captivating, classical sepia-colored art and a text that evoke scenes from stories by Charles Dickens, author and illustrator Preston McDaniels tells the heartwarming tale about a snowman who receives the most perfect gifts of humility, compassion, and love.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 23, 2007

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolutely exquisite illustrations. I want to frame them!

The story, on the other hand, was a bit odd and you might find yourself explaining things to your child at length, like snowmen going to heaven, than is worth the time to read it. Simplistically speaking, this story is about giving to those in need, but be careful of the odd extrapolations which could be made from it too.

Ages: 4 - 8

#winter #snow

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[Laura Culver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barnes & Noble Summary
Dressed in his best hat and scarf, with the finest carrot nose, and the roundest coal eyes, the perfect snowman believed that having the best of everything was all there was to life, and all that really mattered. But after receiving a visit from two special friends and a little girl who appeared out of nowhere, like an angel, the snowman begins to realize the true qualities that make him so special.

Using captivating, classical sepia-colored art and a text that evoke scenes from stories by Charles Dickens, author and illustrator Preston McDaniels tells the heartwarming tale about a snowman who receives the most perfect gifts of all: humility, compassion, and love.

[Megan DeHart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little boy goes out one winter day and makes the 'perfect' snowman. All the praise and attention gets to the snowy gentlemans head, and he really believes he is perfect and better than others. Over the night though he comes to help several strangers in need. The final assistance to the little girl seems abit sudden, as he was still fussing about helping the cat before her. But the ending proves that helping others leads to great things.

[Laysha Daulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a young boy who builds a perfect snowman and then leaves him. The snowman then gets encountered by a rabbit, a cat, and a young girl who each need something off of the snowman and reluctantly he gives them what they need. Overall a really good book with exquisite illustrations.

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mulle eriliselt meeldisid selle raamatu pruunid ja soojad toonid ning pisut üllatav oli kogu loo aimatav morbiidne meeleolu, mis lastele märkamata jäi, kui millega ise keset lugemist ootamatult silmitsi seisin. Armas lugu sellegipoolest.

[Katie Sproles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was kind of long for a children’s book and it began to get so predictable that I lost interest as it went on. The ending was a bit much I think for children to really understand.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely book. The black and white format feels gentle and enhances the story. The message about perfection is clear, and sharing wins the day. A book to be reread and reread and savored.

[skcocnaH · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 6 year old was distressed that even thought the girl got coal, she still died.

[Lizanell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations but the story felt incomplete

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good lessons, but a little long for very young readers. Interesting old brown artwork.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

We like that this book shows that being perfect isn't the most important thing, it's more important to show kindness to others

[Melody Kephart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrator: Preston McDaniels
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date of Publication: 2007

Genre: Fiction, Seasonal - winter
Reading Level: Preschool - 3rd grade. Readers would need to be Transitional to Fluent
Themes: Humbleness, Compassion, Love

Curricula use: teach children to be humble, have compassion and love.
children can insert themselves into the story.
Social Issues: social class

Text & Pictures: pictures connect with the text. Excellent facial expressions on the snowman.
Summary: The book is about a boy who wakes up to find that snow has fallen. He then goes outside and makes a snowman. The snowman turns out to be grumpy and mean to the animal friends that live there. Throughout the story, the snowman learns to be humble, to have compassion, and to love.

[Marla at the Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book doesn't sit well with me... I know the point is the snowman "growing" and becoming kind and generous instead of self-centered but... it's a lot. This is a heavy book, there are a lot of phrases I would not want my daughters hearing/repeating (e.g., "such wretched little creatures" in reference to starving rabbits; "A sorry creature like you would most likely spoil them [the snowman's finery] with fleas or lose them chasing some rat down an alley" in reference to a stray (read: homeless) cat; but then a beautiful little girl approached him and he willingly gave her everything he had? Not sure that I'm on board with this messaging. Also not interested in explaining to children that snowmen do not go to heaven when they melt.

Best for older children.

[Shawna · Rating 2 out of 5]

What happened to the ending? It was a lovely story about kindness and compassion until the end. It was such an abrupt finish, the story felt like the author didn't know what to do with it, threw something on the page, and called it done.

I loved this story until the last two pages, and the ending just ruined the entire thing.

[Alysia Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: A Perfect Snowman
Author: Preston McDaniels
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Date: October 2007
Genre: Fiction/Seasonal
Strength/Aspect of Special Interest: This children’s book shows the importance of having compassion for others, and help them when they are in need.

[Kaley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a heartfelt story about a snowman who thinks he is perfect after a boy builds him and then begrudgingly gives away the things that make him perfect to animals and people who need them more than him. The theme of giving to others and being joyful in the giving would make a great discussion starter for a class or small group.

[Ms. Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book more than I can say. This was a book that my class read the last day before break and I have never seen my kindergarteners so engaged and at the end of the book they were completely speechless and some had tears in their eyes.

I plan on reading this to my class every year from now on and doing a unit on it.

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet, poignant story is so gorgeously illustrated that I don't even know what to say about it. Preston McDaniels is the artist I love from Cynthia Rylant's Lighthouse Family series. This book is no less beautiful.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations and a cute, touching story. The snowman has adorably squishy cheeks. Must...pinch...them...NOW.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely touching. Wonderful illustrations to accompany a wonderful story.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

ages 4-6 – a beautiful snowman learns about compassion.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

great black and white pictures!

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I understood the ending. Does the little girl die? Other than that, it was a nice story.

[Mark Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of several I read each Christmas.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story illustrating the importance of kindness.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a veiled book about children learning to share.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are what make me really like this book.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. Loved the illustrations!