The+Big+Snow

= The Big Snow = = By: Berta and Elmer Hader =

Age: 6-9 years Author: Berta and Elmer Hader Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers ISBN: 0-02-737910-8 Hardcover: $14.17 Language: English
 * Bibliographic Data:**

The Big Snow opens up with wild geese flying south. Mrs. Cottontail and the little rabbit were getting ready by eating plenty of food to keep their coat thick for the winter. The little rabbit didn’t know why the geese were flying south, so Mrs. Cottontail told the little rabbit. As the story goes on, the woodland animals were all getting ready for winter, as the geese gave a signal for animals to prepare. Some of the animals flew south, others were gathering their food for the winter, and some were laying down for their long winter naps. As the story went on, the wise owls saw a rainbow ring around the moon, letting the animals know that the big snow was coming its way. I enjoyed reading this book, because it can really teach kids the reason why animals either go into hibernation or fly south for the winter. I like that it started off from the geese flying south, and mentioning all the different woodland animals that either stay around for the winter, or also prepare for hibernation, and food sources. The pictures illustrated the process that animals go through for the winter. I liked that some of the pages were black and white and other were color for vivid effects.
 * Summary:**
 * Review:**

This story serves many purposes, one being the preparation for the different animals to get ready for the winter, and what they have to do to prepare. This book also helps children understand how we connect with nature. The vivid pictures what goes on in nature helps us understand how these animals prepare. The illustrations from black and white to water colors convey the cross between realistic images of animals and anthropomorphic facial expressions and poses. These illustrations can allow children to better understand of the process of winter and what wild animals need to do in order to survive.
 * Analysis of Literary Elements:**

Berta and Elmer Hader were born in the late 1800’s. They both enjoyed art. When Elmer returned from World War I, he married Berta – which they loved each other practically from the first time they met. They built their own home and a life together. In 1927, they began book art and writings for children. They worked together on their illustrations, passing the pieces of work back and forth to each other, adding color, style, and character, until they were both satisfied with the piece. Fifty four of their own books were published, and they illustrated for thirty seven other authors.
 * Author Biography:**

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