• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 3 to 7

An enchanting story told in rhythmic free verse of a young girl exploring the world on a wintry, snow-filled day.

This beautiful picture book uses rhythmic and sensory free verse to tell the story of a young girl exploring the outdoors on a wintry day. Everywhere she goes, the snow fills her with wonder and delight. There are fine pearls of snow, a twirl of snow, a curl of snow. The sky unravels into snow, the pond lathers up with snow, the hills are knitted caps of snow. All she encounters is framed by the snow. It captivates her, swaddles her world, and makes everything snug --- from first light, to the darkness of bedtime.

A. K. Riley has crafted an evocative and playful ode to the winter snow that perfectly captures the magic of a winter's day for a child. The verse alternates from slow to fast, deftly playing with pace and sure to keep readers engaged. Dawn Lo's fresh illustrations create a charming visual narrative of snow-filled scenes filled with joy. With a simultaneously classic and contemporary feel, this enchanting read-aloud is perfect for a winter-themed story time, a discussion of poetry, or a classroom unit on the seasons. It also touchingly explores ideas of how communities and friendships are enhanced through shared experiences.

A. K. Riley is a seasoned bookseller, storyteller and an author of poetry and short prose. A Snow Song is her first book for children. She lives in Burlington, Ontario.

A.K. Riley's profile page

Born in Hong Kong, Dawn Lo is an illustrator currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the unceded lands of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Her work has appeared in the picture books Snow Song and The Rainbow Garden Is My Friend, as well as in stationery, greeting cards, public art installations, murals and more! Dawn aims to create works that are high-spirited and whimsical while retaining a certain degree of simplicity and humor. Most of her work is inspired by little everyday moments and personal multicultural experiences. When she is not drawing at her home studio, she works at the public library where she can surround herself with more books.

Dawn Lo's profile page

[A] playful ode to winter fun.

Publishers Weekly

Riley offers up rich sensory language: couplets containing words like twirl, curl, swirl, and unfurl easily roll off the tongue like a graceful dance of flurries ...

Quill & Quire

A moving-in story for lovers of winter that will last even after the snow has melted.

Kirkus Reviews

The text of the story and the illustrations work together to create the excited energy of children experiencing snow!

CM Magazine