When we get into December, it is more than just the last month of the year, it’s that time of year where everybody gets excited; streets, shops and homes are decorated for the festive season and if we are lucky, we may even get a bit of snow. To go with the festivities, the Christmas-themed books are dusted off and taken off the shelves for some jolly good stories, including Sam’s Snowflake, written by Gillian Shields and illustrated by Rosie Reeve – a charming tale about getting ready for Christmas while being with your loved ones.
It’s Christmas Eve and the excitement is building in the bear household. Young Sam can hardly wait for the festivities to begin and is helping his mum in the kitchen. While the final preparations are being put into place with cooking and decorating the house, his dad ventures back out into the forest to fetch a very special surprise, promising to return when the snow begins to fall. But as bedtime nears and the snow still hasn’t arrived, Sam begins to worry and hatches a plan to help guide his dad safely back home. Using some paper, cotton wool and plenty of glitter, he creates a special dazzling snowflake to hang in his bedroom window, hoping it will shine brightly enough to light the way for his father to make his way back through the forest.
Overall, Sam’s Snowflake is a tender and charming tale that celebrates the true spirit of Christmas: togetherness, love and family, told using a family of bears. An easy to read story that captures the quiet determination of a child who simply wants his family to be together for Christmas so that they can do things together in the snow on Christmas morning – tobogganing, making snow bears and having snowball fights.
The story, written by Gillian Shields, is well thought out and told, showing all the things needed to be done in the build up to Christmas with emphasis on the message that Christmas is a time for loved ones to be together. Sam building a snowflake to display in the window to light the way for his dad (and the snow) is excellent. It was good to see him wanting family time rather than lots of presents.
Rosie Reeve’s illustrations glow with a warm, soft charm, bringing the snowy forest and cosy kitchen scenes to life. Her artwork gently guides young readers through the story, making it easy to follow and it’s visually delightful.
This book is perfect for bedtime reading, especially in the lead-up to Christmas (but is good for any time of the year). It’s a gentle reminder that the best gifts aren’t wrapped – they are within all of us, in the heart. Whether read aloud with family or enjoyed quietly under twinkling lights, Sam’s Snowflake is sure to get young page turners into the Christmas spirit.
A wonderful festive tale about spending quality time with your family.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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