Review: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Keats, Ezra Jack. 1962. The Snowy Day. New York: The Viking Press. ISBN: 9780670654000

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Peter, a young African American boy, wakes up one morning to see it had snowed sometime in the night. The book follows his adventures throughout the day as he explores the snowy landscape outside his door and generally acts exactly how any young child would after a large snowfall. He makes designs in the snow, builds a snowman, makes snow angels, and slides down “a great big tall heaping mountain of snow.” There is only the tiniest conflict, as the snowball Peter lovingly collected had melted in his warm house, and he is concerned the snow might be melted before the next day. However, new snow falls and Peter can begin a new adventure on another snowy day.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Ezra Jack Keats, the author and illustrator of The Snowy Day, has created a classic picture book with a main character kids and parents can’t help but fall in love with. The character of Peter feels as though he could be any child, anywhere, who loves to explore and play. The simple plot and style of writing creates a fond tone which makes the reader wistful for the small delights that can be found in childhood, such as the first snowfall or making a perfect snowman. The exact setting, other than an urban area, is unknown, as is Peter’s age, so every child can immediately put themselves in his place and imagine participating in his snow day activities.

The illustrations evoke strong feelings and sensations as they engage you and bring you into the story. As you read, you can almost feel the freezing snow under your feet, or hear the crunch as Peter experiments with creating designs in the snow. The use of collage as the form of illustration is an interesting choice. Cut outs used for the main character and landscape and the addition of watercolors makes Peter, in his bright red snowsuit, stand out from the background of the white snow and clear blue sky.

Although The Snowy Day was first published in 1962, the story and illustrations are timeless.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

1963 Caldecott Medal Winner

Positive Review in Publisher’s Weekly: “Pays homage to the wonder and pure pleasure a child experiences when the world is blanketed in snow.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book could contribute to a discussion on multiculturalism.  

*More from Ezra Jack Keats:

Peter’s Chair. ISBN 9780140564411

A Letter to Amy. ISBN 9780140564426

Whistle for Willie. ISBN 9780140502022