Review by Booklist Review
PreS-Gr. 2. This evocative story harkens back to an earlier, simpler time as it celebrates a feeling of sharing and neighborliness that is still the ideal today. Billy is disappointed when inclement weather keeps his relatives from coming for his birthday. The storm gets even worse while Billy and his sister are in school. It's so bad, the roads are closed, and Mr. Carter comes to tell Miss Bailey, the teacher, that she and her students are stuck for the night. Because they are without food and blankets, Miss Bailey decides they will have to make their way to the closest house--Billy's. A wonderful two-page spread shows Mr. Carter and Miss Bailey leading a chain of children through the blinding snow. Then they arrive at Billy's house, where it's warm and bright and there is plenty of good food--including birthday treats. Everything here is predictable, but the feelings the events engender are tender and strong. Himler's artwork alternates between the white-gray of the blowing snow and the golden glow that comes from both inside the house and the hearts of those who live there. Set perhaps 50 or 60 years ago, this story can work as a bridge between generations. --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2003 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Shortly after Wright's (Pet Detectives) understated yet atmospheric tale opens, young Billy trudges through the snow to his one-room schoolhouse, sulking because an impending snowstorm has prevented his five cousins from coming to celebrate his birthday. When the snow blocks all the roads, threatening to strand the children at the schoolhouse, the teacher announces that they will all go and spend the night at Billy's farmhouse, the only one within walking distance. More than a dozen strong, the children and teachers form a hand-holding chain as they wade "through the great white sea." The kids all pitch in to help with the chores and then stage a snowball fight before sitting down to an impromptu feast. As their teacher plays the piano ("It's not every day I get a chance to play the piano!" she says gamely), the youngsters sing loudly, "drowning out the wind," then enjoy birthday cake (and two pies) before settling down to sleep. Equally successful at capturing the blustery blizzard outside and the warmth indoors, Himler's (A Picture Book of Lewis and Clark) lifelike, watercolor-over-pencil art conveys just the right homespun, folksy feel. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-This picture book has the warmth and appeal of a favorite family reminiscence. The simple story focuses on Billy, who is disappointed that his cousins won't be visiting to help celebrate his December birthday. The day takes an unexpected turn, however, when the same weather that kept his cousins away brings all the members of his mixed-grade, one-room schoolhouse (along with the teacher) to his house to spend the night. The boy's parents turn this impromptu slumber party into a celebration, with plenty of good food, a group sing-along, and, of course, a birthday cake. Wright's straightforward text has a down-home flavor that meshes well with Himler's evocative illustrations. Executed in watercolor and gouache over pencil, the mostly double-page spreads feature sepia tones that enhance the old-fashioned feel. While the setting is clearly rural, the time period is less clear. But ultimately, the where and the when of the story aren't really important-it's the nostalgic appeal of a simpler time that both Wright and Himler capture so perfectly in words and pictures.-Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Billy regrets his winter birthday when an impending blizzard ruins a planned party, but when his teacher and fellow one-room-schoolmates end up at his house for the night, he changes his mind. In this satisfying slice of life, story and art (portraying rural America circa 1950) are perfectly child centered, with a just-tense-enough walk through the storm and details such as a picnic on the living room floor. From HORN BOOK Spring 2004, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
When his cousins call to say they can't make Billy's birthday because of all the snow, he's sorely disappointed and wishes he had a July birthday like his sister. Just like any other ordinary day, the two walk to their one-room schoolhouse. Coal gets shoveled into the stove, the lamps get filled, and the children learn their lessons. Then a blizzard hits and Mr. Carter arrives to say the road is filled with snow. When faced with this news, Miss Bailey decides to take all the children to Billy and Mae's house, the only one close enough to walk to in the storm. Once there, the children all pitch in to do the chores and get the food ready. A snowball fight and songfest are the perfect way to round out the evening--along with some birthday cake. Himler's watercolor illustrations are the perfect medium for portraying the time period's furniture, household goods, and clothing. A feel-good story of neighbor helping neighbor, and a great way to learn a bit about rural life before automobiles. (Picture book. 4-9) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
