First Steps, First Snow

by Harriet Hodgson

Animals and nature add wonder to daily life. First Steps, First Snow connects young readers to nature, nocturnal animals, and fosters mindfulness.

Whether it's changing seasons, changing scenes, or observing wildlife, nature adds wonder to our lives.  First Steps, First Snow (based on a true story) describes a magical walk in the woods on a winter night.

The poem guides readers on the walk and encourages the observation of nature. Watercolor illustrations show nocturnal animals that live in forests. 

At the end, the two children and the animals are all snug and sound asleep — a perfect bedtime story for readers of all ages.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

36 pages, Hardcover

Published September 13, 2022

Reviews

[Bandita · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this beautifully illustrated book, we can see the story of two siblings who walks by the snow at night. They are mesmerized by the snow that's fallen everywhere. There wasn't much more to the story other than this. I think this book lacked a little bit in storytelling but I'm giving a high rating because of the artwork. It was truly stunning and breathtaking. I loved the art a lot, but the story, not so much.

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very much amazed with the illustrations by Carol Hill Quirk. Though there is not much to read from Harriet but still the background scenes were so much eye-soothing & relevant.

Such picture-books are handy and easy to read for KGs but there must be answers to questions raised at last, for children to know about 'Dos & Don'ts' when they step first in snow.

An additional star for Illustrations.

My NetGalley reviews: https://www.netgalley.com/book/261992...

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Steps, First Snow is a story about first steps in the new fallen snow. A pair of siblings head out as the snow has fallen, the moon has risen and the world is still. They walk through the forest near their home and observe many animals that are out and about. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is quiet. I read this one to my grandchildren as a bedtime story, and it was calming, but they really didn't connect to it. There was minimal text on each page, but the large, muted illustrations were beautiful. I spent a lot of time drawing their attention to the illustrations and asking them what they saw. This would be a great book for a classroom when teaching about seasons, especially winter. Although I enjoyed this book, it did not capture my grandchildren, which is the target audience.

[em · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about first steps in the snow. The illustrations are beautiful and I think this would be a great book for calming down or before bed, also a nice way to introduce going outside for walks or to play in the winter! This book caters to young children, and could be used in a home or education setting. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet children's book about waling in the snow has a simple message about enjoying the beauty of the world that surrounds us. With large, simple text this book is short and easy to read. The illustrations are beautiful and intriguing. I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the age 3-7 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of, First Steps, First Snow, by Harriett Hodgson. First steps in fallen snow are the best. The illustrations are really good in this book. This is an enjoyable book about the first snow fall of the season.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything can happen after a snowstorm.

The quiet, peaceful storyline fit the theme perfectly. There’s nothing like being the first person to walk through the snow after a snowstorm. It’s something that almost everyone who lives in a climate that is cold enough for snow to fall will have personal experience with. The details might change a little depending on whether someone is in a forest, a backyard, or walking just down a street, but the relaxing nature of it remains the same everywhere. It made me yearn for winter.

One of the biggest strengths of this picture book was how open-ended it was. The characters never revealed their names or how they knew each other, so those details could easily be added in or changed according to reader preference. I love finding tales that allow for that sort of creativity and audience participation. Not everything needs to be figured out by the author ahead of time in cases like this one.

I smiled as I read the ending. It left room for a sequel if one is ever written, but it also wrapped up the current plot satisfactorily while once again leaving lots of space for readers of all ages to fill in the gaps if they wished to. The way it was written also made sense for anyone who prefers not to participate in stories in this way. Either way, it was the end of a happy day out in the woods which was exactly what it needed to be.

First Steps, First Snow was a heartwarming read.

[Chantel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life is filled with quaint moments like the ones the two siblings come across when a fresh layer of snow covers the earth. This story explores the joys that we can associate with the aspects of this life that feel, at a glance, simple in nature but bring us memories we can cherish for all the years to come.

The illustrations by Carol Hill Quirk remind me of many little books I had on my shelves growing up. The colour scheme is warm with a hint of cool that allows the reader’s mind to engage with the imagery without necessitating the linguistic ability to follow the stanzas.

I have an image in my mind of the ideal reader & perhaps, I might venture to say, so did Hodgson when writing the kindly poem that saunters across a backdrop of woodland forest, a cottage home, young siblings wrapped snuggly in snowsuits & the animals who come out to start their day with a fresh blanket of crisp white snow.

This book would do well to be read by those who adore the season; perhaps a story to accompany some hot chocolate or a snuggle in a favourite blanket. There is not any conflict or climax to this story, it simply exists to present a tender moment & I think there is something wonderful to appreciate in that.

Thank you to NetGalley, BQB Publishing, & Harriet Hodgson for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Dione Basseri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children wake in the night to find the first snow of the year has arrived. A little late-night play is in order! Accompanied by a brief poem. In fact, the explanation for the poem, at the end of the book, is quite a bit longer than the poem itself.

Close-ups of the kid's faces do wind up a bit in the uncanny valley. A lot of detail for eyes and lips in a comparatively flat face. But it's nothing BAD, just a bit off.

Most pages have a few animals to spot. Most are pretty simple, standing out against the white snow, but there's a few that have some good camouflage, adding a small seek-and-find element to the book.

Overall, an okay book. I'd say get it from the library to try it out.

Advanced review copy provided by the publisher.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

With simple rhyming a tale of walking through the woods on a snowy day and being the first to make footprints is told by a lover of winter in Wisconsin. I enjoyed the animals and the children who looked for them. Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age.
I really want to get one for my local public library (in Wisconsin!)!
The illustrations by Carol Hill Quirk are delightful, colorful, muted, and imaginative.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very attractive volume, this illustrates a rhymed verse that’s perfectly accessible by all ages, concerning a night-time walk through a forest under virgin, undisturbed snow. The rhyme is fine, but for me the winner here is the craft in the visuals, which are simply stunning. I’d go as far as to say they make this a rarity – a book you wanted to be longer. It does have the saccharine, “one more animal? Go on then!!” attitude those animated Christmas e-cards from Jacquie Lawson and the likes have, but be on board with that and this is a minor marvel.

[Ileana Renfroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Children's Book.

The graphics were appealing and the overall storyline was well written.

I recommend First Steps, First Snow to readers. It was fun and I can't wait to see more from this author.

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book needs to be read with a warm cup of cocoa. It is such a cozy book that reminds me of nights at the cabin..
The questions at the end were a nice touch, although there are spacing issues.

The 3rd page di have one spelling error.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐

The artwork in this one is just beautiful. Unfortunately the story is a little...meh. However, it IS a picture book for young children, I just feel like there could have been more to it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

**Arc Via NetGalley**

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb, I love a snow walk and I enjoyed following the kids on their walk. I also liked the thoughtful questions at the end. The illustrations were cheerful and cozy.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need to stop and read a picture book! Love the simple text and illustrations in this one.

[Andréa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.