Just One Flake: A Picture Book

by Travis Jonker

Just One Flake is a hilarious celebration of wintertime, curiosity, and outdoor play in this author-illustrated picture book debut from acclaimed creator and elementary school librarian Travis Jonker.

 

It’s snowing outside! Liam rushes out into the squall, determined to catch one perfect snowflake. He tries any number of tricks to complete his mission, but each time he is thwarted.

 

He sticks out his tongue and looks up . . . nope. He builds a snowman, climbing up to get a little closer to the snow . . . still nope. He runs around the yard—tongue still out—because faster is better, right? Wrong! Nothing seems to work. Until, in a final leap of faith, he catches that one flake . . . in a way he never expected. And the snowflake itself is pretty unexpected too.

 

From librarian and picture book creator Travis Jonker comes a hilarious and satisfying story all about outdoor play and the natural world’s stunning surprises.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Humor, Childrens, Nature, Fiction, Realistic Fiction

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[donna backshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are fantastic. I will be laughing about them until next winter.

[Amy Oberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Just One Flake" was a new release I recently purchased for our library's winter series/Preschool Story Time. The relatable quest to catch a snowflake, accompanied by colorful illustrations, kept groups of children between the ages of 3 and 5 years transfixed. (You know a story is *truly engaging* when the youngest listeners pause mid-chew of Cheerios and marshmallows to see what happens.) Several children laughed out loud at Liam's different attempts to successfully catch a snowflake, and they enjoyed the use of vertical panels to see how the snowflake's structure deteriorated. A terrific addition to books with a winter/snow theme!

Publication Date: 2023
Format: Picture book
Elements: Bold illustrations in watercolor; crisp typeface; varied perspectives/panels
Connection/Topics: Winter/snow/snowflakes; outdoor play; persistence/creativity

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Perfect book for today as I look out the window - snow! It’s not as easy as it looks to catch a snowflake on your tongue - at any age! Excellent illustrations capture all the snowy fun. Adore the case cover art and all the folks who created a paper snowflake! And don’t forget what he did with the barcode on the back!

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bold, childlike illustrations depict a kid's efforts to capture a snowflake in scenes that will be relatable to kids who live in areas with large snowfalls.

[Morton Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny | Bold illustrations | First person narrative (appeal terms from NoveList) - Emma

[Mariah Schaffhauser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story can teach young readers about patience and how small things can turn into something big.

[Julie Aldrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to use as a read aloud in the winter and great for explicitly modeling reading fluency .

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy is determined to catch a snowflake, but actually capturing one proves to be much more difficult than he bargained for. When he discovers what a real ice crystal looks like up close, the intricate design stokes his imagination to create a flurry of paper snowflakes. Delightful illustrations evoke the joy of the first snowfall and a child’s amazement over one of nature’s most wondrous creations.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little book. Love the white spaces and word placement as well as his activity after he caught his flake! Adorable.

[Sym K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silly and engaging - this is the perfect book to add to a winter themed story-time.

Our friend Liam is determined to catch a snowflake on his tongue, just one flake! And he tries several tricks in his attempts to do so. But laying flat on his back, standing on top of a snowman or running really, really fast - none of his ideas work! Liam is a determined little guy though and he does not give up. He tries his luck one last time with the last snowflake, and it lands right on his hand! It fills him with awe. And he decides that not being able to catch the snowflake on his tongue wasn’t too bad.

Travis Jonker has done a great job in his author-illustrator debut. Being a librarian, he knows the kind of books that would keep the young readers’ interest. The perfect amount of text on each page, funny scenarios that will keep them giggling, and expressive illustrations. Sure to be a hit with the preschool to kindergarten crowd. Older kids will enjoy it too.


Author/Illustrator: Travis Jonker
Recommended Age: 4 -8
Recommended Grade Level: Preschool - 3
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Publishing Date: October 2023

[Matt Colvin]

Just One Flake is a children's illustrated picture book that shows a small snowflake as it falls from the sky. The snowflake's journey from the sky down to the ground is shown, including him seeing other snowflakes like itself. The book hits on individuality, and observation of nature. The book utilizes rhyme and simple diction to try to encapsulate the childish wonder over winter and snowfall.

Just One Flake overall is a calming piece of literature based in fact, that explores the idea of winter. Just One Flake uses some personification to gently talk about nature and spark imaginations by detailing the adventure of one snowflake and gently pointing to its uniqueness in a sky full of so many other snowflakes.

In a classroom I would likely keep this to K-1. The book is very simplistic in its writing style, meant for comprehension by young, new readers. It allows a neutral and imaginative way for children to engage with the concepts of nature and winter, by personifying the "life" of a snowflake and its journey from the sky down to Earth.

[Bettendorf Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Just One Flake we meet a child named Liam who is determined to catch a snowflake on his tongue. Liam tries EVERYTHING! Laying on his back, standing on top of a snowman and even running really, really fast. In the end Liam doesn't catch a single snowflake on his tongue but he does manage to catch one in his hand. In his hand, Liam can see the flake up close and discovers snowflakes are quite beautiful, so maybe catching it in his hand instead of on his tongue is not so bad. Liam goes on to make several snowflakes out of paper and we are treated to a comical last picture of Liam thinking about putting a paper flake on his tongue.

The book is cute, funny and relatable. Sometimes we don't get what we want and that is ok. Just one Flake would make for a perfect addition to any kind of winter themed story time.
(Reviewed by Jenna I.)

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this simple story and I can so relate to it.

It's about a boy outside while it's snowing trying to catch a flake on his tongue. It's not as easy as it should be.

This brings back great memories. On snow days, I would stay outside for hours and hours. Adults would try and get me to come in as they thought I would be too cold. I would eat snow and I did catch it on my tongue a time or two, but it was easier to scoop it up and eat it.

I love that this kid loves snow and is in it. It's just the best. Still, when we get a snow day and work is cancelled, I'll bundle up and go outside for hours and play with the niece and nephew or whatever.

So simple and this story is so great.

The artwork is digital and simple like a children's art. The snow is the real main character here.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just found my new favorite winter picture book for storytime! It has everything: just-enough-words-on-the-page, humor, cute illustrations, and movement -- as you read it you can ham it up by sticking out your tongue, rolling a snowman, and chasing down that one last snowflake.

PS: But of course the author is an elementary school librarian!
PPS: Could more children's picture book authors/editors/publishers get the memo that we need more books like this one! Fun, engaging, with just enough text (but Not big chunks or paragraphs of text) for toddlers & preK? Please?! Thank you.

Themes: snow
Ages: toddler-preK
Pub year: 2023

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: I want to catch a snowflake. Just one snowflake. Right here: [points to his tongue] I'm not going back inside until I do it. This should work.

Premise/plot: Will our protagonist [a little boy] persevere and actually actually catch a snowflake on his tongue? Or will his many, many efforts be in vain? Will this day in the snow be a happy one? What's the perfect end to the day?

My thoughts: I absolutely LOVE the illustrations. Some of the spreads capture pure JOY and HAPPINESS. It is a fun, sweet seasonal story.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delight for very young readers, especially those who might never have seen snow, or might be enjoying the first snow season with independent mobility. Chasing a snowflake in any way, especially with the TONGUE, is a genuine challenge. it could be fun to pair this new offering with a classic Caldecott winner, SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY will allow audiences of any age to realize that actually CAPTURING a snowflake in a way that allows you to examine it closely is a challenge of utmost skills.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

How exciting! Travis wrote AND illustrated this book and it is amazing!

Have you ever tried to catch a snowflake on your tongue? That is what Liam wants to do. It is snowing and he is determined but the flakes just don't fall in his favor. Or do they?

This would make a perfect story time read aloud especially if it was paired with a snowflake craft. Or put some black construction paper out to capture some snowflakes.

[Kelly]

I've tried looking that up close at a snowflake before, and you really can't see all the lines when it's just on your glove. I think it's clever idea, but it's unrealistic. Great undies, though, and I'd expect nothing less from Jonker there. It looks like the snowflakes were made by a bunch of different people, too, which is super awesome.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and silly and good to read aloud. The way the author captures the desperation of this one little boy to catch a snowflake on his tongue is so funny. I think this is a feeling a lot of kids will connect with, especially if they grow up in a place with snow. Has natural classroom extensions and would work for older and younger audiences. Very fun.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam is determined to catch a snowflake on his tongue. It sounds easy but he's having a hard time making it happen. A gently humorous picture book that captures a child's wonder at looking closely at a snowflake. A wonderful book to share on a snowy day and include in units about symmetry and patterns.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

So delightful! Captures the magic of outdoor play in the winter time. Liam is determined to catch a snowflake on his tongue but it’s harder than it looks. Still, he perseveres, his antics humorous and fun, until finally he catches a snowflake in an unexpected way. Love the bold lines and color of the art. This is definitely a great story time book. Or for cuddle time after chasing snowflakes.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little boys determination to catch a snowflake shows ingenuity and determination and in the end, he shares his triumph with others. Perfect book to share on the first snowfall of the year. Would also pair well with nonfiction picture books like It's Snowing by Gail Gibbons or Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. Recommended for preK-2nd grade

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, just delightful. Liam is determined to catch just one flake of snow on his tongue. He tries lying down with his tongue out, he tries moving fast, getting up high, etc. etc. and just can't do it. Will he ever succeed? Love the illustrations and the resolution! This is a wonderful story time read on snow, winter, perseverance for toddlers and preschoolers!

[Jane Healy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book for winter, with young Liam insisting that he will not come inside until he catches a snowflake on his tongue. The illustrations perfectly complement the action, as Liam tries and tries. When he finally does catch a snowflake, he gets a good look, and though it melts quickly, he finds another way to recreate snowflakes. Great for read-aloud, with a snowflake making activity.

[Lydia Nisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: Early Primary
This book is a simple and fast read. I feel like a lot of people can relate to the boy trying to catch a snowflake on his tongue. I think this can be a great book to read when it is snowing outside. You can use this book to introduce the science of snowflakes and how what they look like.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this simple book about a boy who wants to catch a snowflake on his tongue. He shows wonderful sticktoitiveness and creativity in changing his tactics. Love his flexibility and determination. The art is adorable, reminiscent of David Shannon's art, but with a softer, sweetness to it. Great winter book too!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

He’s determined to catch a snowflake on his tongue — but it’s harder than it looks. After many attempts and a lot of wintry excitement, he finally does catch one... just not quite the way he expected.

This charming, winter-themed read-aloud is a great pick for younger listeners, especially preschool and kindergarten audiences. The illustrations are bold and engaging, with strong shapes and an expressive character that pops off the page, even if the color palette remains fairly limited. It’s a story that captures the joy and frustration of small childhood goals — and the gentle humor of unexpected outcomes.

While the ending is a bit understated, it still offers a sweet moment of success and satisfaction for little readers. Overall, this is a solid seasonal choice for storytime in the library or classroom, especially during the first snowfall of the year. Cute, cozy, and simple — just right for the youngest book lovers.

[Binxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars A child tries so hard to catch a snow flake on their tongue. The illustrations are clear and simple yet evoke the emotions of the child. The switch to a close observation of what a snowflake looks like is a bit awkward but lends itself to a craft after sharing the story.

[Dylan Stoepel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonker is a librarian so that's cool! You can tell he knows how to make a good picture book. It's not overly complicated or something I've seen a thousand times. This is his debut novel, I'm impressed!

[Abbigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sort of disappointed by this one, and I would have given it 3 stars, but I'm giving it one star extra just because it was so much fun to read parts of this book to preschoolers with my tongue sticking out.