School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

PreS-Gr 2 In this revision of the 1963 edition, Branley describes snowits characteristics, its usefulness to plants and animals, and the hazards it can cause. As the simple, direct text explains, the usefulness of snow far outweighs the disadvantages. This theme is carried out in Keller's charming full-color watercolor and ink illustrations that show children playing in, exploring, and discovering the marvels of snow. There are only minor variations in the text since the first edition. The major difference is in the all-new illustrations, which brighten and enliven the text. Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, Va. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Gr. 1^-2. "What's good and bad about snow?" is the central question of this new title by the founder of the fine Let's-Read-and-Find-Out-Science series. As in his other titles, Branley is successful in presenting scientific facts to the very young, moving from the most basic observations about snow ("sometimes snow is wet and sticky . . . sometimes snow is light, dry, and fluffy") to exploring the effects that snow has on people, animals, and the earth. Some of the facts seem overly simplistic even for this young set ("It is always cold when it snows"), but there are plenty of useful beginning words, concepts, and activities, extended by uncluttered, attractive illustrations and a concluding resource section for teachers. For kids from all climates who know about the fun but ask, "What does snow do?" --Gillian Engberg

School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

PreS-Gr 1-The most important changes in this revised edition are in the illustrations and format. The watercolors are fresher, more child oriented, and include youngsters of different ethnic backgrounds. There are even more snowflakes, evoking a much stronger feeling about the magic of snow. The attractive design includes larger pages and typeset and a cleaner, neater appearance. The text remains much the same, although the language has been updated (for example, "Eskimo" has been changed to "in the far north, people-") and some explanations are smoother and more easily understood, such as the thermometer experiment. Two additional experiments plus some Web sites have been appended. This book would work well in science units or thematic storytimes.-Kay Bowes, Concord Pike Library, Wilmington, DE (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A simple text ponders both the benefits and challenges of snow. Branley discusses how snow protects dormant plants, hibernating animals, and some people from the wind and cold, as well as how heavy snowfall affects springtime flooding. Keller's new illustrations are a good match for the spare, informative text. A few easy activities explore snow's different properties, and a list of websites is appended. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Ages 4-7. From the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, here are two old standbys, recycled. In Gravity Branley talks about the gravitational forces exerted by the earth, moon, sun, and planets on objects in or on them. Although the text is the same, this edition has a revised design. Madden's original illustrations are redrawn with a greater use of color and some differences in layout. It looks a bit more sprightly, but is basically unchanged. Recommended for collections where the original is worn from frequent use. As well as having minor alterations to the text, Snow has a completely different look. Keller's fresh, full-color illustrations more appropriately depict younger children than did the earlier drawings. The text describes snow, its role in the ecology, and a couple of simple experiments for preschool and primary classrooms. The typeface is larger, a welcome change for young readers. This new edition sports a cheerful, lively look that adds immeasurably to the book's appeal. CP.