The Snowflake Sisters

by J. Patrick Lewis, Lisa Desimini (Illustrator)

Crystal and Ivory snowflake take full advantage of this beautiful snowy evening in New York City as they travel to the park, fly through Time Square, journey past the Statue of Liberty, and more before coming in for their final landing of the day.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Childrens, Poetry, Holiday, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

J. Patrick Lewis is the current Children's Poet Laureate. He has written more than seventy children's books, including Once Upon a Tomb: Gravely Humorous Verses. J. Patrick Lewis lives in Ohio.

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The collage artwork is very captivating, but the tale itself is less interesting. Told in rhyme, which gets awkward a few times, the snowflake sisters go on a journey that takes them to too many places: a ride with St. Nick, the top of the Empire State Building, above the New Year's Eve ball, down 5th Avenue to 42nd street, then finally to Central Park, where the sisters spend the rest of the winter. In my opinion, they should have left out the Christmas parts with St. Nick and focused only on the New York setting.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a combination of a weak story line and interesting artwork. The story line about two snowflake sisters drifts along unfortunately just like snowflakes falling and drifting slowly to the ground. It lacked any suspense, direction, or surprise.

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the illustrations in this are really beautiful; the quality of the illustrations page to page, though, vary considerably.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations were hit-or-miss to me, and the story was just okay. I liked the Christmas and NYC references.

[James Zaksek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a neat one due to the fact I really do like snow and the way the story ended. This definitely wasn't my favorite 'christmasy' story I've read so far this year, but it wasn't too bad considering that I liked the progression of it.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the illustrations were beautiful, others just meh, but the story line was really lacking.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because of the illustrator, Lisa Desimini. Cute story.

[Andrea]

The story of two adventuresome snowflakes is told in rhythmic rhyme as we follow them on their escapades through the wintry weather. They find themselves in New York City, delighting in the main attributes. They befriend Santa, and eventually a snowman at the end of story, before winter folds into spring. The original and captivating illustrations are produced with mixed media, compelling readers to stop and enjoy the artwork presented in front them. The personification of weather and the winter seasons conveys an interesting perspective to the story. Young readers can perhaps interact with the text by writing letters to the sister snowflakes to talk about what they like to do on a snowy day. Since the text leaves off with the spring, the young readers could perhaps pick another form of weather in the spring, summer and fall to extend the story with different forms of weather experienced in each of the seasons. This text lends itself to both weather and seasonal study for a science unit, rhyming word study for vocabulary enhancement and connections, as well as an art project in creating their own mixed media illustrations for their story extensions. Readers may also enjoy The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait to read this book to PreK and Kinder classes this week. I love the beautiful collage illustrations and the rhyming story of 2 snowflake sisters who hitch a ride with Santa, go to Times Square, and join a snowboy in Times Square. I will need to show the kids where New York City is (I'm in Oklahoma!) and practice the sometimes-awkward rhymes beforehand. Great for the week before Winter Break when kids and teachers are ready for holiday fun. Pair this one with snowman and snowflake action poems and online create-a-snowflake or decorate-a-snowman websites! With more time, cut-your-own snowflakes, or a collage project with light-colored lace, fabrics, cotton, and assorted fluff on navy-sky background would be fun!

[Amy]

Poetry. Published in 2003 for Kindergarten - Grade 2. Themes include poetry, the winter, holiday and snow season. This fun creative rhyme tells of two snowflake sisters adventures while they ride on Santa's sleigh while he delivers presents and then land on a snow boy. Though all good things come to an end as the season changes; but they will be back next year!! This is a wonderful read aloud book and transition book. Teachers and librarians can tell students that it is good to have fun but when it is over, they will need to wait until next time (such as recess, summer, weekends etc.).

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! Poetry full of movement and illustrations are like scrapbooking with mixed media...you can almost feel the textures and cleverly done, for example NYC buildings done with NYC maps. Just love it! Great for a rainy day to inspire art projects. High marks all around!

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

we liked the collage artwork and because it was set in NYC my 5 year old daughter liked that as we have talked to her about our trip. quite captivating.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Snowflake Sisters is a story about snow told in rhyme, but with odd illustrations and text.

Used for display in "snowy Things" storytime-01/2010.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute idea, but nothing special.

[Cara Reads Kids · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the paper craft illustrations. Daughter liked the sisters' journey.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love J. Patrick Lewis. His poetry is great. I'm surprised I haven't seen it before. Kids will love the rhyming in this sweet book.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rhyming was sometimes awkward, but the multimedia artwork was lovely.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this, especially for the older group.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good rhymes great pictures. A story about the power of now for kids.