The Snowy Day

by Ezra Jack Keats
The Snowy Day cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 775
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780670654000
  • Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
  • Published: 1962-11-05
  • Reviews: 4

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a beloved children's book that captures the wonder and joy of a child's first snow day. Peter, the story's protagonist, steps out into a world blanketed in snow, discovering the simple pleasures of playing in the deep snow. This celebrated classic, a New York Public Library's #1 book on the list of “Top Check Outs of All Time,” beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world and the hope of capturing that wonder forever. /n/n Keats' illustrations bring Peter's adventures to life, making it a perfect read for cozy winter days. The book has been shared by generations of readers and remains a must-have for every child's bookshelf. Ezra Jack Keats, the creator of other classics like Goggles and A Letter to Amy, masterfully portrays the quiet fun and sweetness of Peter’s small adventures in the snow.

Reviews
Books for Topics · 2025-10-08
heartwarming 4.75

The story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world and the hope of capturing that wonder forever.

The reviewer finds the story to be universally appealing, beautifully depicting a child's sense of wonder and the magic of a snowy day. They appreciate the quiet, reflective tone of the book and its ability to capture the essence of childhood wonder. The reviewer also notes the book's timeless appeal and its ability to resonate with readers of all ages.

Quick quotes

    Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.

    The quiet, reflective tone of the book captures the essence of childhood wonder.

    The book's timeless appeal resonates with readers of all ages.

Cannonball Read · 2025-01-22
heartwarming 4.50

The book is a classic for a reason, capturing the essence of a child's joy in playing in the snow. It is a cozy and heartwarming story that appeals to all ages.

The reviewer from Cannonball Read considers The Snowy Day a classic that stands the test of time. They appreciate how the book beautifully captures the simple joys of a child's snowy day, making it a cozy and heartwarming read. The reviewer believes the book's universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia and warmth, regardless of the reader's age. They also highlight how the book's illustrations enhance the story, making it a visual treat as well as a literary one.

Quick quotes

    The Snowy Day is a classic for a reason.

    It tells the story of a little boy named Peter, and the day he spends playing in the snow.

    A cozy and heartwarming story that appeals to all ages.

Common Sense Media · Esther Ehrlich · 2019-11-04
heartwarming 4.50

The story is calming yet vibrant, striking a graceful balance in both pictures and text.

Esther Ehrlich from Common Sense Media highlights how 'The Snowy Day' manages to be both calming and vibrant, a balance that is gracefully achieved through the illustrations and text. She appreciates the story's ability to capture the quiet fun and sweetness of Peter's adventures in the snow. Ehrlich also notes the book's timeless appeal, making it perfect for cozy winter reading sessions.

Quick quotes

    Ezra Keats is remarkable in his ability to create a calming yet vibrant story.

    Striking this balance gracefully in pictures and in text.

    The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter's small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.

Colorful Book Reviews · 2017-02-17
timeless 4.50

The book is a classic that captures the magic of a snowy day for children. It is also historically significant as the first mainstream children's book to feature an African American protagonist.

This review highlights The Snowy Day as a timeless classic that beautifully captures the joy and wonder of a child's first snow day. The reviewer emphasizes its historical importance, noting that it was groundbreaking for featuring an African American child as the main character. They appreciate how the book's simple yet powerful storytelling resonates with all children, making it a must-read. The reviewer also praises the book's illustrations, which bring Peter's snowy adventures to life in a way that feels both magical and relatable.

Quick quotes

    This is the first of seven books featuring Peter.

    Young Peter's day in the snow is a classic for all children.

    A book of historic importance.

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