I've been looking back at a ton of books, getting ready to write my year-end Jewy-books roundup for Tablet, and I am BITTER that this book is utterly unJewy and thus not eligible. It's one of my favorite books of the year. So simple, so beautiful. Maxine (age 5) loves it too — she asks for it over and over and over. The art is just gorgeous — muted colors, adorable but not cutesy bunny, sophisticated and subdued but not kid-offputting look. Looks like a mix of paint and charcoal. The plot’s simple: a little rabbit gets to stay home from kindergarten because of the snow. Her daddy is away on a trip. She’s stuck inside for much of the day, with Mommy. Mommy reports that Daddy is snowed in and can’t fly home as scheduled. Rabbit says, “Mommy, we are all alone in the world.” WHOA. Little rabbits are deep. Given that the rabbits live in a featureless cinderblock apartment (it looks just like Mather House!) with the snow swirling all around and no traffic, I get where the little rabbit is coming from. It all feels sad and mysterious and lovely. Sartre…with BUNNIES! I remember that exact feeling of inchoate snowy lonesomeness from my own childhood, even though I am not a rabbit. Finally, late in the afternoon, little Rabbit gets to play in the snow.I saw a review on Amazon that said this is a book that adults like and kids don’t. Not in our house. Emily’s Balloon, the author’s previous book, was a big win and so is this. (Both books are visual treats for the hipster parent — not that I’m one, but I’m letting you know for your gifting needs that the aesthete snob will enjoy Ms.Sakai’s work.) Quiet and appropriate to the weather as well as to the Japanese sensibility. I especially liked the fact that the rabbit family lives in an apartment - first the child goes out on the balcony and is only allowed to go downstairs after the snow has finished. The animals' body language is very expressive, especially the ears.I like the way many of the illustrations are framed - as if looking in a window. I was struck by the movement - constantly forward - (as in the double page spread as he goes out and the following pages). Nicely rendered into English but no translator given.
What do You think about Sneeuw! (2009)?
One of the best Snow Day books ever. It is a sweet story and has great illustrations.
—Luis
