Snowshoe Thompson

Beginning readers are introduced to the history of skiing in America through this lucid, concisely written story. Danny misses Pa and writes a letter (``Are you still digging for gold in Nevada?'') asking him to come home for Christmas. Hearing that there will be no mail because the deep snow has made it impossible to cross the mountains, Danny feels hopeless. John Thompson, a Scandinavian immigrant, steps forward and tells the boy, ``There is a way.'' The next day John shows Danny how to make skis and shortly thereafter embarks on a 90-mile journey through the Sierra Nevadas. ``You can count on me,'' he says. Sure enough, five days later, John returns with a letter for Danny from Pa. Cool, earthy tones spattered with white breathe life into Levinson's enlightening tale. A map and an informative author's note flesh out the book. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)