Glistening with winter charm, this is an exhilarating, tender story of pushing past your comfort zone and finding inspiration in art and natural beauty.Our young narrator doesn’t like itchy hats or cold wind, and she especially doesn’t like going places she’s never been before. But she reluctantly agrees to join her mom at an ice festival, where they watch sculptors chisel and drill until it’s too cold to watch anymore. That night the girl discovers that she has lost the horse figurine she’d brought with her, and she wishes she’d never gone . . . until the next night, when they return to the festival and see what the artists have created: sparkling, glorious sculptures that feel a little like magic. One surprise in particular seems even more magical to the girl. The ice art will stay with her long, long after it has melted away.
On sale: October 15, 2024
Age: 4-8 years
Grade: Preschool - 3
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780593697658
Reading level: Lexile: AD510L | Fountas/Pinnell: L
Sarah Kurpiel is a librarian and self-taught author/illustrator. Her stories are inspired by animals, nature, and moments of wonder, such as the magical ice festival held in her hometown when she was a kid. She is the creator of several picture books, including
Lone Wolf and
Snake’s Big Mistake. Sarah hopes her work brings a bit of happiness into the world—and a bit of disability representation too. She uses a power wheelchair and considers her disability an important part of her identity. She lives with her family in Downers Grove, Illinois.
"In rhythmic text, Kurpiel gently demonstrates that ephemeral moments should be treasured and that venturing outside one’s comfort zones can be richly rewarding. Fluid illustrations clearly convey the narrator’s emotions; eye-catching blue and white hues immerse readers in the wintry atmosphere." —
Kirkus Review★ “This is a gem of a picture book, a simple story elevated to poignance by visuals that evolve from gentle to whimsical, a pitch-perfect narrative voice, and organic disability inclusion. Kurpiel has a keen ear for a child’s perspective, as spare text clearly conveys the narrator’s progression from relatable reluctance to contemplative wonder and, eventually, anticipatory joy of next year’s winter. The child’s disability is naturally incorporated into the visual storytelling. A sweet, thoughtful reflection on anxieties and trying new things, this will resonate with any reader, especially those who’ve braved the chill of the cold in search of some wintery wonder. "
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
