The Smiley Snowman

In a snowy forest glen, Fluff Bunny, Small Fox, and Little Bear construct a sparkly snowman (thanks to a coat of green glitter on each page on which he appears) with a sweet smile and a marshmallowy head. Fluff keeps the snowman company, telling him stories until dark. But in the morning, the snowman has a frown and looks "sad and shivery," so the animals give him a warm hat and blanket, which makes him melt. The snowman finally smiles again when the three animals give him a big hug: "Snowman wasn't cold on the outside. He was cold on the inside!... He just needed a hug!" Children should relate to both the excitement and concern of Macnaughton's cuddly, expressive animals as they work together. Ages 3–7. (Oct.)