Richard Johnson

2018

Faber & Faber Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-571-33928-0

ISBN:  978-0-571-33929-7

31 pages

A child’s wordless book that adults will love as well.  ‘Once Upon a Snowstorm’ written and illustrated by British illustrator Richard Johnson.  This is a picture book about a father and son living in the forest during a snowstorm.  A classic tale of man versus nature and learning how to survive all the dangers.  This is a story that is comforting as well as a joy to ‘read’.  Help can be found in all circumstances that father and son find out during the snowstorm if they stay calm and patient.

The pictures are realistically and imaginative as the reader moves along with the ‘story’ told through pictures.  The reader does not need words to understand what is happening in each of the pictures presented.  My favorite pictures of this picture book were the ones at the beginning showing the relationship of the father and son living in the forest.  Another picture was the dark sky with all the stars forming deer constellations when the little boy was lost in the dark and the animals came to help and watch after him and by bringing him food and shelter.  This is a picture story of love and friendship.

This is a picture book by Richard Johnson that would perfect for day care, preschool and even kindergarten classrooms to maybe have lessons in early science with the animals and the constellations.  Also, one that seems to teach social skills.  This is story that teaches children to read the pictures. This is a five star read that one will ‘read’ several times.

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