Spirit of the Snowpeople

By Diane Keyes

Book Overview

Somewhere in the north, where the winters are long, the adults decide to brighten their children's days by creating snow figures. While the children sleep, their elders create snowpeople. Eventually, the lake is surrounded with them. Word gets around, and people come to see the marvelous figures. But snow doesn't last forever, and when the snowpeople melt, the villagers must find another way to keep the spirit of the snowpeople alive in their hearts.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892727101
• ISBN13: 9780892727100
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Down East Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.4" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Such warmth - in winter!

This story is so touching, and so gentle, and so life affirming, that all parents will want to share it with their children. Beautifully illustrated and beautifully told, "The Spirit of the Snowpeople" gently guides us through a season in both the literal and the figurative sense. On one level, the story is about community and families, joining together to create a spirit of fun and friendship. On another level it is a loving reminder of a deeper love, a more meaningful cycle, and a larger plan. What a sweet story!

Better than Flowers

Instead of flowers, I sent this beautiful book to a family member in Michigan who needed cheering up. She phoned and said that she loved the book and had already read it two times! She told me that she just loved the feeling she got from the illustrations. This story tells us of children who are restless and glum after being cooped up in their house in the dark cold winter days. The grownups and older children decide to surprise the little ones by making snowpeople! The children join in the fun of creating the snow sculptures and people come from far and near to see their sparkling creations. It is such a beautiful book and it borders on perfection. The only false note comes when some Johnny-come-lately visitors, disappointed by the melting ice, "grumbled and mumbled and hurried away, shaking their heads at the foolishness of such simple people." This bit seems overly harsh and out of step with the overall tone of the story. I would expect that the late visitors would be disappointed to see the sad remnants of the ice sculptures but to see them "complaining" just seemed out of step. The story has a beautiful message of embracing the impermanence of life and finding beauty in it. It is told, overall, in a very warm and loving way. The illustrations by Helen Stevens are filled with brilliant color and detail. The people and even the animals have such character and warmth that you want to be with them. Although it is called Spirit of the Snowpeople, it really celebrates all of the seasons and the joy of sharing. It would make a lovely Christmas present!

The real message is about loss-and remembering ...

At first read, the Spirit of the Snowpeople seemed like a story about villagers making unique snowmen/women. Then...you think about it--and think about it. Written by Diane Keyes and designed and lovingly illustrated by Helen Stevens as a children's book, Snowpeople is eye catchy with the vivid and detailed illustrations packed with visual entertainment. And then you think about the message, the real message... . Snowpeople may be for kids--but it is also for adults who have lost a loved one--and miss then deeply. The Snowpeople (our loved ones) are always remembered and return to us in our memories. "The snowpeople never really leave us. Things change, but nothing is ever really lost. All of life, including each one of us, is continually changing and renewing itself." The book is about celebrating the seasons of life--and the memories we have of those gone from our lives. Those who have left, like the Snowpeople, return to us in many ways--whatever reminds us of them. I have a friend whose daughter died in her early 20s, and she likes to think of her daughter's spirit in that of eagles--and rejoices at every eagle she sees. This book is well suited for children and adults as its message is on those two levels. It would be a wonderful gift to yourself and your church or school library so others remember to rejoice in the seasons of life. Set a place at your next holiday table for your own snowpeople memory--welcome it and rejoice in remembering. Armchair Interviews says: The combination of the right words and complementary illustrations makes this a must-have book.