I am cheating a little bit. Because this wonderfully whimsical book, Who Will Make the Snow, written by Taras Prokhasko, and written and illustrated by Mariana Prokhasko, and translated from the Ukrainian by Boris Dralyuk and Jennifer Croft, isn’t “technically” a picture book. It’s 80 pages long and stated that it’s for an upper grade level from pb’s. But no matter what— it is an absolutely lovely book with pictures. It’s really just a long picture book with a lot of words divided into very short chapters. 😬
And I adore it.
It’s so special. It has that classic, cuddly, beloved feeling of a Beatrix Potter tale. The Prokhasko team creates a woodland world with a family of moles as our main focus. We are lulled into the goings on of this family, the birth of new babies, the change of seasons. It’s so dear and full of kindness and love.
The illustrations absolutely captured my heart with their honesty and charm. The moles are drawn simply with no real difference between the siblings.
Yet each somehow exudes their own personality. Pops of red and unexpected colors brighten the landscape. The moles go on adventures and meet other forest critters. The tiny newborn twin moles learn about the scary world and gently figure out how to fit into their community. The moles, as well as owls, squirrels, hares, and other animals believe that their ancestors turn white when they pass away and live up in the white clouds and they are who make the snow. The ending of the book is a joyful sled ride with everyone celebrating the newly fallen snow.
As I read I couldn’t help but think how much I would love to read this to my own little mole.
Or to a classroom,
or to be the one lucky enough to have this endearingly beautiful book read to me…
especially on a snowy night… ❄️
Wow. So glad i saw this. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for visiting PBB and taking the time to read and comment!
Oh, this looks wonderful! I’m already enchanted by the cover and illustrations! Thanks, Jennifer!
Hi Angie! It’s definitely staying in my personal library. Just love it, hope you do, too!
Oh, I love old-timey books like these about simple family joys!!! Thank you, Jennifer.
Me, to Vijaya! Thank you!
I want this NOW!!
I don’t know where you live, Tricia, but I believe that most of us are feeling pretty snowy right now! It’s nice to have such a warm and snuggly read.
This book looks and sounds absolutely delightful! Thanks for high-lighting it.
I hope you enjoy the book, Marie. Thank you for visiting our blog and taking the time to comment!
This is one I will definitely check out! Thank you for sharing.
I have a copy too! Love the illustrations!
I’m all for long picture books! I just had one come out last November with over 800 words.
Looks beautiful and heartwarming. Late to the party but can’t wait to check it out!