The Summer Snowman

by Gene Zion

Henry does not want his snowman to melt so he preserves him and gives the town a 4th of July surprise

Genres: Picture Books, Summer, Fiction

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1955

About the author

Born on October 5, in 1913, Gene Zion attended the New School of Social Research and the Pratt Institute. In 1948, he married artist Margaret Bloy Graham, who then collaborated with him on all his picture books. When their marriage ended in 1968, Zion also ended his career as an author. Zion is best known for his creation of the rascally dog, Harry, who appears in such books as HARRY THE DIRTY DOG and HARRY BY THE SEA. He died in 1975.

Reviews

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

As March approaches and winter starts to give way to spring, this clever picture book tells a story about one little boy’s plot to hold onto the winter magic well into summer. During the last snowstorm of the year, Henry and his older brother, Pete, build a little snowman. Worried that the snowman would melt, Henry put it in the freezer and begged his mom to keep his secret. On the Fourth of July, Henry shared his secret with the whole town. This is an older picture book, but the fun story along with the illustrations make this a terrific book to share with young readers as winter comes to an end.

[Jessica Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute! It took a twist that I was not expecting which made it a fun read. I was predicting the brother to reveal the snowman at the beginning of the next winter so I was very happy to know the book took a different and more fun turn.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might be hard to find these days - but if you have a chance - it is an interesting read and a glimpse into a very different childhood experience predating computers, video games and internet but including the good old American dream of a suburban house and a close knit community.

[Christian Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just drew me in because I love Christmas