Snowflakes Fall
Patricia MacLachlan, Author
Steven Kellogg, Illustrator
Random House Children’s Books, Fiction, 2013
Suitable for Ages: 3-7
Themes: Snowflakes, Grief, Renewal, Memory
Opening: “After the flowers are gone/ Snowflakes fall./ Flake/After flake/After flake/Each one a pattern/ All its own–/No two the same–/All beautiful.”
Book Jacket Synopsis: In Snowflakes Fall, Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan and award-winning artist Steven Kellogg, portray life’s natural cycle: its beauty, its joy, and its sorrow. Her simple but powerful words gently convey the impact of loss and the healing power of memory. This book is a tribute to the qualities that make each individual unique.
Why I like this book: Patricia MacLachlan and Steven Kellogg collaborate to create this beautiful, lyrical and inspirational book to honor and remember the community of Sandy Hook and Newtown, CT, who lost family members during the school shooting in Dec. 14, 2012. In opening remarks, Kellogg, a former resident of the community, says he hopes “to celebrate the laughter, the playful high spirits, and the uniqueness of the children of Sandy Hook and children everywhere.” There is no mention in the story about the Sandy Hook incident. Instead, the book celebrates the individuality of children and compares them to snowflakes, with no two being alike. It offers hope that when the world is dark, in the morning the “world shines” and the children will romp in the snow, build forts, go sledding, leave their footprints and make snow angels. Kellogg’s illustrations are colorful, magical and uplifting. Make sure you check out both the front and end pages because they add to the story. Random House has made a donation to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund and donated 25,000 new books to the national literacy organization First Book in the community’s honor and in support of children everywhere.
Resources: Parents and teachers can use this book as a quiet book about the natural life cycles of birth and renewal. It is an excellent book to help children work through grief and healing. With winter quickly approaching, it is a perfect time to encourage children to play in the snow, catch snow flakes on their tongues, follow animal tracks and make snow angels. Visit Random House for a special list of activities, coloring pages and a teacher’s guide for Snowflakes Fall.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
I am soooooo buying this at our Book Fair today. What a nice tribute and donation to Sandy Hook, just in time for the one-year mark. I’ll never forget making those snowflakes as a family and sending them off to CT with our prayers.
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Barbara, you will really appreciate this book. It has so many uses. And Random House has a teacher’s guide. Love it that your family made snowflakes and sent them to CT.
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Sounds like a great book. I know what’s just been added to my to-read list! 🙂
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It is a quiet book that is uplifting in a beautiful manner.
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Beautiful choice!
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Thanks you. It is a beautiful book, text and illustrations.
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What a beautiful way to remember and celebrate the children. Thanks for posting, Pat!
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Yes, the author and illustrator were so sensitive in their portrayal of this uplifting book.
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How wonderful to bring out the best in children rather than dwelling on the sadness. I will look out for this, thanks Pat.
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Wished I had used your words in my review — they are perfect. There is no dwelling on sadness! Thanks for tweeting.
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OH! thanks for introducing this book to us, Patricia, You always pick the best ones. I love the trailer and the illustrations. I will definitely check this out. 🙂
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I think you will want to own this book. It is very special!
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Yes, I will love it. thanks again for introducing it to me. I will buy it and keep it with love. 🙂
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That’s wonderful!
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what a great combo- Patricia and Steve. Definitely heading out to read this one!
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Yes, their collaboration made this book a very unique and special tribute focusing on life.
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This book seems to have everything going for it – Patricia MacLachlan, Steven Kellogg, snow, hope, an important message. I love it already! Thanks for sharing. I’ll be adding this one to my book bag.
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Yes, it would be a good book for the children you work with Rhythm. Make sure you look at the Random House activities I listed.
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I just saw this book yesterday. Great timing with the snow we’re getting today!
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Yes, I was thinking that as I looked out the window today. It is a beautiful story of hope and renewal.
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This is a wonderful way to support the Sandy Hook community. My holiday wish is that they are the last community to need it.
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Wendy, a beautiful holiday wish! It doesn’t focus on sadness but hope.
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Patricia, what a beautiful and sensitive book. And I loved seeing the author/illustrator on video, proving that it is never too late to be creative and productive. Thanks for sharing this one!
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Jarm, I also found an article printed in the Newtown paper yesterday that goes into further detail with the author and illustrator. It was too long to include. Loved the short interview as it gives perspective to everything. This is one book I’ll keep!
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What a lovely way in which to remember those little ones who lost their lives. And, it is so hard to move on with the seasons and let go of grief. All we can hope to do is catch a glimpse of moments of beauty in which the souls of the beautiful live on.
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I really appreciate the relevance of your lovely comments. Thank you! The author and illustrator handled the book with such sensitivity!
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What a beautiful book. Makes me so wish, wish, wish for a white Christmas…. haha!
(one of these days) I love especially the special message of renewed hope and love for all! Thank you, Merry Christmas dear Pat.
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It is a very special book written with great sensitivity! I love the symbolism of snowflakes and the seasons.
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Beautiful!
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I’m happy you liked the book. It’s such a beautiful and meaningful tribute to the community of Sandy Hook!
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Thank-you for a perfect pick today, and a book that is certain to endure.
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Joanne, I’m glad you enjoyed the selection. It’s a very special book!
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We’ll have to find this one. We’ve seen lots of snow fall in recent days and lots of sadness in our circles too in recent weeks.
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Yes, you have had lots of snow in Denver. So have we. But, you’re community has dealt with a time with unpredictable weather and loss. This is a book for healing.
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I knew they were working on this book. Thanks for the review and video clip!
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Yes, this isi another winner. I was very impressed and loved it.
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This looks like such a beautiful book – I will order it for my son’s elementary school! Thank you. xoxo Susan
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Susan, you definitely would love this book. Very beautiful and quiet!
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