Last week, while we were gallivanting around making the most of the late October sunshine, we saw on the news that there might be snow on the way in some parts of Britain. I pointed out to the kids that it would be probably only be in Scotland or the northernmost parts of the country, but they were already whooping with joy and dreaming of a white Christmas. This was the perfect time to pull out Maverick's latest picture book, The Snowflake Mistake by Lou Treleaven and the aptly-named Maddie Frost. (I really hope she has a husband called Jack !)
This wintry tale whisks us away to a floating ice palace, where The Snow Queen has important things to do and puts Princess Ellie in charge of the snowflake press.
While The Snow Queen is super-organised and precise, with very high standards for every snowflake which must be absolutely identical, Princess Ellie has a much more laidback approach, so when she accidentally breaks the machine, rather than have everyone miss out on the snow fun, she just makes them all by hand.
The Snow Queen has to admit that, while up close, each one is imperfect, the overall effect is just as wonderful and breathtaking. Mother and daughter are reconciled, meet in the middle and spend quality time together making perfectly imperfect snowflakes by hand.
It's a lovely uplifting story about enjoying life and concentrating on the important things (and people) rather than worrying excessively over attaining perfection. It's also a great way to explain to children that all snowflakes really are unique and follow on with some crafting activities, cutting out snowflakes to stick all over the windows. Juliette made a fabulous 3d snowflake last year that you might like to try (and even if you don't, it's worth having a look because we've just been giggling at Pierre photobombing her tutorial photos !).
- Paperback: 32 pages
- Publisher: Maverick Arts Publishing (6 Oct. 2016)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1848862180
- ISBN-13: 978-1848862180
- Product Dimensions: 26.2 x 0.4 x 26.8 cm
Disclosure : We received the book in order to write an honest review.
sounds like a great book
ReplyDeleteThis looks a lovely book, good idea for a present maybe.
ReplyDeleteIt could be a lovely festive stocking filler :)
DeleteA lovely story which I'm sure will find it's way into a good few Christmas stockings.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely illustrated Christmas book! I think there maybe some snowflake mistakes tomorrow morning for school time as it is snowing here in North Yorkshire!
ReplyDeleteoooh I'm jealous ! The Madhouse kids are all excited about the prospect of us getting proper snow this year ! :)
Delete