The Rabbit and the Snowman by Sally O. Lee

The Rabbit and the Snowman written and illustrated by Sally O. Lee
Copyright 2008
30 pages
Children's picture book
Author's website

From the press release: The Rabbit and the Snowman tells the story of a group of small children who build a snowman in a field far away in the forest. They subsequently leave and the snowman is left alone. He is not sure if he has done something wrong for them to disappear. Maybe his carrot nose is too crooked or maybe his stick arms are too skinny. He meets a small rabbit and they become fast friends. When the snowman suddenly disappears as spring arrives, the rabbit is left alone. He also wonders if he has done something wrong. Maybe his ears are too furry or his eyes are too small. The two find each other again and continue their friendship once winter returns again.

My thoughts: The illustrations are marvelous, but the story is lacking. The author has written several children's books and I haven't read any of the others, but this particular story brought to mind the old publishers' rule of thumb that picture books for small children are best done as a collaborative effort between an artist and a writer. A stronger storyline with this artist's illustrations could make for a rocking fine children's book.

When the rabbit went looking for the snowman, my first thought was that maybe he would find the remains of his melted friend (makes sense to me) and eat his carrot nose. Fortunately, the book didn't take the cannabilistic turn I probably would have given it.

Illustrations: 4/5 - great illustrations and nicely laid out -- the author shifts perspective, zooming in and out, changing angles, using things such as sticks, chunks of coal, pine cones and the snowman's scarf to surround text on pages where there isn't a full illustration.

Text: 2.5/5 - Bland story and I didn't think it really made sense that the snowman and rabbit would assume that some physical characteristic drove away friendship. However, I don't have a small child around to give this one a test run. Illustrations can sometimes overcome poor text from a child's-eye view and the illustrations are very well done.

Check out the author's website to see her other offerings, printable coloring projects and (my favorite) bookmarks that can be printed out on card stock.

Overall: Average, but I think the art is good enough that the right story with her artwork could make for a truly wonderful children's book. Nightie Night, Lucy sounds particularly appealing to me.

Yes, I'm back a wee bit early! I've finished 4 books and felt like writing. I hope to be back to blog-hopping by Wednesday or Thursday. Hope everyone had a terrific weekend! We had a busy and productive weekend, so I'm a happy camper.

Next up: Reviews of Life as We Knew It and Legerdemain