The Snowy Day

Much like Goodnight Moon, we know very little about our main character. However, it doesn’t really matter, for that is not the point. The point is it’s a snowy day. Yippie! Through the lens of ​​Ezra Keats, planet Earth has morphed into an unknown wonder, a wonder that must be explored, of course. This place is known well by any child who has ventured into freshly set snow. 

The Snowy Day is not a particularly cheery book. I believe that is its appeal. Such atmosphere encapsulates the presence of winter's very real and mystifying darkness. A darkness, not of malevolency, but darkness nonetheless. The author exhibits respect, entrusting children with such a depiction of winter. Entrusting them with winter's depth. Reading this book as a child, I felt that. Not once having played in snow, I felt winter's depth. 

The main character has been alone - until now. Until now, as he transports into a place we all know (without actually knowing) is home. That alien landscape of lonely white is starkly contrasted by warm familiarity. And here comes the center of that warmth – mother. She pulses through the home, a nervous system. Through the mudroom, taking off his wet socks. In the bath, shielding him with bubbles and rubber duckies. And finally, bed, cocooning him in white of a familiar kind - his blankets and pillows. And as he sleeps, he dreams of the sun. 

When morning comes, what do we discover? Outside his window, a land of brooding white, a land just as unknown as yesterday. And just like yesterday, today will be a snowy day.