11 Picture Books for Fans of
The Snowy Day
by Dena McMurdie
The Snowy Day was a first in many ways. It was the first book Ezra Jack Keats both wrote and illustrated. It was the first time he used cut paper collage in his art. And it was the first time an African American child starred as the hero in a full-color picture book.
The Snowy Day has been both praised and criticized since its publication in 1962, but through it all, it has been overwhelmingly loved by its readers.
My grandmother read this book to my mother, who read it to me. Now I’m reading it to my own children. The story of Peter’s day in the snow has been a wintertime staple in my family for generations, and I hope that tradition will continue.
These 11 books will appeal to lifelong fans of The Snowy Day.
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A Poem for Peter
Available from:A Poem for Peter is a must-read for any Ezra Jack Keats fan. It's the story behind The Snowy Day and the life experiences that led Keats to create the book. Part biography and part inspiration, it's a tribute to the man who brought a beloved character to life and contributed so much to children’s literature.
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Whistle for Willie
Available from:Did you know that Peter, the main character from The Snowy Day, had more adventures? One of my favorites is Whistle for Willie, in which Peter learns to whistle for his dog. The mood and atmosphere of the story reflect the charm of The Snowy Day.
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Little Mole’s Wish
The whimsical mood of Little Mole’s Wish makes it a perfect pairing for The Snowy Day. When the bus driver won’t let lonely Little Mole and his not-so-little snowball onboard, Little Mole fashions his snowball into a bear — who ends up becoming a friend.
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Some Snow Is…
Available from:Just like Peter, the children in this cheerful picture book are thrilled to find their neighborhood transformed into a winter wonderland. As they embrace the outdoors all season long, they learn there’s a type of snowfall for every occasion.
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Little Penguins
Available from:Finding a fresh snowfall outside, a family of penguins decide to go out and enjoy it. The simple story of a fun-filled day in the snow and the cut paper collage illustrations make this book an obvious choice for readers of The Snowy Day.
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The Boy and the Bear
The Boy and the Bear spans seasons, but the friendship between this unlikely duo holds steady, even throughout a quiet winter while Bear hibernates. Massini’s mixed-media artwork and watercolor hues make for a cozy, immersive read all year long.
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The Snowman
Available from:You can’t forget this 1978 classic when it comes to seeking snowy, uplifting vibes. Wordless picture books are ideal for reluctant readers and for when you want to turn your full attention to the artwork. If you’re hesitant about the genre, take this one for a spin.
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The Moon Is Going to Addy's House
If the artwork is what drew you to The Snowy Day, you'll love the illustrations in The Moon Is Going to Addy's House. The bright, collage-style designs were inspired by Keats's work and created using the same cut paper collage method.
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Last Stop on Market Street
Available from:With the urban setting and colorful, stylized illustrations, this book has much to offer fans of The Snowy Day. This heartfelt story of family ties, simple pleasures, and perspective is both entertaining and inspiring.
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Daniel Finds a Poem
Available from:This book is about finding beauty in nature. The texture-rich illustrations, the city in the background, the young boy's exploration of the outdoors, and the grand adventure that comes with using your imagination are all reminiscent of Keats's work.
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Good Night, Wind
Available from:Collage dioramas accentuate this retelling of a Yiddish folktale, in which Wind is ready for a rest at the end of a blustery autumn season, but is turned away at every doorstep. Finally, two small children notice Wind’s plight and work together toward a happy ending.
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This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2020.