Snow ghost by Tony Mitton
Illus. by Diana Mayo. Bloomsbury, 2020.ISBN: 9781408876633.
(Ages: 4-8) Wintery, ethereal illustrations accompany this magical
tale of hope and belonging. An enticing front cover filled with
sparkling snow is followed by equally enthralling illustrations
throughout. A dull colour palate is offset with pops of bright
colour and the crispy white of the snowy landscape. The endpapers
are also stunning and the delight on the children's faces is
palpable.
The story is rhythmic and tells a dreamy story of a snow ghost
'searching for somewhere to settle - but where?' Strong visual
imagery gives the reader a real sense of the darkness and loneliness
of the winter landscape ('dense, tangled wood', 'where the chilly
winds blow and endlessly murmur'). Snow Ghost drifts over town and
wood, searching for a place that will be welcoming until she finally
finds a small country farm. 'Could this be the place to find safety
and calm?' A boy and girl wearing bright clothes are playing and
laughing outside in the snow and Snow Ghost knows that this is the
'place she at last could call home'.
This is a gentle story perfect for bedtime sharing. It is worth
noting that this is a follow up to Tony Mitton's previous
publication Snow
Bear (illustrated by Alison Brown), following an almost
identical formula and themes.
Themes: Belonging, Rhyming story.
Nicole Nelson