Look! Snow!

This book's minimal text (the title phrase and a school cancellation announcement on the radio) gives full rein to the colorful, swirling images of first-time illustrator Montezinos. From the initial scene of the youngsters snug in their classroom to the outdoor scenes of them sledding and making angels in the snow, this impressionistic work suggests the perspective of children intoxicated by the season's first snowfall. Particularly effective is the center spread, which depicts two siblings seeing the snow-laden landscape for the first time in the morning: everything seems weighted down by a blanket of white. The warm, richly hued colored-pencil pictures are reminiscent of Deborah Kogan Ray's work; however, Montezinos's paintings are driven by unusual perspectives, which give the book a particular sense of movement. A fresh glimpse of a familiar occurrence. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)