Community snowman

ISBN-13: 978-1525306587

Illustrated by Tine Modeweg-Hansen

Published by Groundwood Books

​

*2025 Telling Tales Reading List Selection*

​

Building a snowman becomes a community effort, in this wordless story about a cold winter day that snowballs into a warm neighborhood gathering.

One winter morning, a girl wakes up to discover that it has snowed overnight, enough to cancel school for the day. After breakfast she starts building a snowman — and soon realizes that it’s easier and more fun to do with some help! 

 

Other kids join in to help roll the balls that make up the snowman’s body. A passing teenager helps them reach to place the head. Then more neighbors come along, passing through the park on their way to work, and each contribute something unique from their packed lunches or winter ensembles: a pickle for a nose, bagel halves for the ears, lychee buttons, a shawl, sprigs from a bouquet for hair … 

 

The final touch comes in the form of a red poppy pin placed by a veteran over the snowman’s heart. The snowman smiles as the community members pause to admire their work. And when the crowd disperses, the girl and her grandfather stay behind to share a snack and warmth with someone who needs them. 

​

Coming October, 2025

​

Pre-order your copy at any of these links:

​