When the Snow Falls

Sweeney and Christy follow their spring-themed 2015 picture book, When the Wind Blows, with an ode to winter that hums with a zingy, excited energy. Once again, Sweeney’s punchy rhymes provide the narrative, following two children through a day outdoors with their grandparents. There’s a visit to the nearby forest (“Woods hush./ Fields glisten./ Wren sings./ We listen”), walkways to shovel (“Flakes zag./ Flakes zig./ Grandpa whistles./ We dig”), and sledding to be done (“Saucers spin./ Sleds slide./ Hats fly./ We ride!”). Icy pale blues and purples contrast with brightly colored winter wear and the children’s warm brown skin; everyone is smiling, even citizens helping to push a stuck car. A joyful winter readaloud with an infectious enthusiasm for everything that the season brings. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Carrie Hannigan, Hannigan Salky Getzler. Illustrator’s agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates. (Oct.)