Picture Book Review: A Flower in the Snow

A Flower in the Snow by Tracey Corderoy and Sophie Allsopp

Review by Lauren

copy sent for review, but all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Luna and her polar bear friend (Bear) discover a beautiful gold flower growing
in the snow. But when the flower fades, Bear goes on a search around the world
for another to bring to Luna. It’s only when he returns home that the true
strength of their friendship is revealed.

Review: This is a beautiful picture book; perfect for the winter season! The story is about a little girl named Luna and her friend Bear (who is a polar bear). There are no parents in this story. It’s all about Luna and Bear, and the true friendship that they share. When they find a dancing yellow flower in the snow, Luna is overjoyed…but eventually, the flower dies and that puts Luna in a bad mood.

Like any good friend, Bear is desperate to cheer Luna up and he does everything he can think of, until he eventually decides to set out on a search for another yellow flower. When he doesn’t find it, he comes home, sad to be empty-handed, but so happy to see Luna again. And Luna has a surprise for him instead!

The flower that wilted and died left behind seeds…and Luna grew one yellow flower, saving the other seeds to to share with Bear. By the end, they have their own little field of beautiful flowers among the snow, to share with each other.

It’s definitely a cute story for older readers, in terms of understanding, but younger readers are sure to enjoy the illustrations and it would make a nice discussion starter concerning friends and family.

As for the illustrations, they are certainly beautiful and I love that the colors are a bit muted. Certain aspects pop, like the yellow flower and Luna’s red ribbons, but for the most part, it’s easy to look at. Therefore, I think this would make a lovely bedtime read! I know some of the brighter colored books might be a bit too sharp to show sleepy little children.

I also love that Luna seems to be Asian, or some other ethnicity than white. It’s not stated in the book, so it’s not an issue in any way, and I love that. It’s a great way to show kids that there are books that feature people that do look like them (or even that there are kids that don’t look like them).

Overall, I enjoyed this story and I think it would make a wonderful gift to any little one this winter!!