Snow globe wishes

Gentle rhyming text and naïf illustrations dominated by lovely pale yellow and teal tones are impeccably paired in this heartwarming book. During the "worst storm of the year," a family of four eats takeout in front of a blazing fireplace ("Picnic dinners,/ candle light./ Darkness draws us close tonight") and then settles down to sleep in a cozy blanket fort as one child makes "snow globe wishes." The morning brings clear skies and a "snow globe day" that enticingly beckons townsfolk young and old, who frolic in the snow before joining hands and forming a circle around a Christmas tree. As the wishes behind the story are revealed--"Peace on earth./ Right now./ Right here./ Peace for all throughout the year!"--the family's cat and dog, back at home, peer into a snow globe in which the outdoor scenario is duplicated. Dealey and Shorrock create a winsome, hopeful portrait of family and community bonds. Ages 4--8. (Sept.)

When a snowstorm blows through town, it knocks out power and sends evening commuters scurrying for the safety and warmth of home.But in the electricity-free night, one family turns the darkness into an opportunity to slow down and enjoy time together. This charming story follows the evening of an interracial family of four: a brown-skinned and dark-haired woman, little girl, and little boy, and a man presenting as white with light-colored skin and light hair. They have a candlelit picnic of Chinese takeout next to a blazing fireplace and decorated Christmas tree. The family enjoys the rest of the quiet snowy evening beneath a blanket fort in which they sleep together, cat and dog bundled in as well. The next morning, they and the rest of the community go out to play in the snow. The final spread in the book depicts the family's cat and dog looking at the happy human tableau, now within the snow globe, which reads "Peace on Earth." The muted colors, simple, childlike renderings, and happy characters make this book about a snowstorm feel warm and cozythink hygge in picture-book form. Aside from the star-topped, decorated tree and the "Peace on Earth" message, often associated with Christmas, there are no religious symbols used in the book.The feelings of community and togetherness are palpable. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.