Pistes d'exploration

Discuss snow, especially the first snow of winter. What activities can you do? Describe different types of snow (sticky, fluffy, wet, etc.).

Talk about the cooperation needed to make a fort like the one in the story. Share your experiences of making forts and snowmen with friends.

Write a poem describing what you like to do when playing in the snow.

Create a story using black and white panels as in the book.

Discuss snow, especially the first snow of the winter. What do you like to do in the snow? Describe different types of snow (heavy, icy, melting, etc.) and gather the vocabulary on a snowman-shaped chart.

Talk about the cooperation needed to make a fort like the one in the story. Share your experiences of making forts and snowmen with friends.

With your classmates, create a winter handbook for newcomers to Canada. Include sections on weather, games and sports. List what you need and give instructions for each activity.

100 Snowmen, Snowballs, Mixed Beasts, Once Upon a Northern Night

Mots-clés

Picture book , comic strips , cooperation , friendship , illustrations (monochrome) , illustrations (plasticine) , snow , winter

Commentaire descriptif

Parallel storylines build the contrasting characters of the quiet, imaginative Scott, and the boisterous bigger boy, Jim, who make something great together. The language launches readers into action: “It came in the night. ‘Perfect!’ said Scott. ‘SNOW!’ said Jim.” Boyish dialogue is backed by a narrative voice with some delightful images, such as, “the whole school smelled like wet boots.” Details of the clay illustrations invite perusal. One snowy spread shows the schoolyard from above, dozens of tiny playing children, each pom-pom hat, striped scarf or sheepskin jacket lovingly rendered. The monochrome comic-style illustrations add depth and background to the story. During recess, Jim saves Scott’s collection of snowmen from accidental destruction, and at lunch hour the two boys work together. Between Scott’s imagination and Jim’s social charisma, a whole crowd of kids join to create “The World’s Greatest Totally Massive Snowman Fort!” After the night rain washes away their snow creation, the two new friends enjoy the slush that has replaced it. A story of mixed-age friendship and cooperation delivered in a natural manner that will resonate.