Barbara Kunz Loots

This book was very average in my opinion. The best quality that this book brought to the table was its illustrations. The pictures are colorful, appealing, and go hand in hand with what is occurring in the story. However, the story itself lacks elements that I believe are important in texts used in the classroom. The language is simple, but not very detailed or descriptive at all. It could be easy for a student who is beginning to read independently. However, I would not use it in a read aloud. The plot is engaging for students, as it is about a snowman that feels out of place. There is a clear conflict for the main character, which is the fact that he is too small to participate in the majority of events other snowmen his age do. This conflict is resolved when he finally is able to use his wit to save the day. Chillbert realizes that he is important and the rest of the snowmen look up to him! The message of the story is positive, as it teaches students that just because they may be different (shorter, taller, etc) it does not mean they are not valuable to others. Overall, I think that the book is okay. It has great illustrations and a wonderful moral, but the literature itself could use some work.… (mer)