The Snowy Day
The Snowy Day, by author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats (1916-1983) is a book I loved to read as a child, and in recent years have enjoyed with my own three children.
Today marks the book’s 50th Anniversary, and is the first children’s picture book of its time to feature an African American boy hero. What inspires me today about the narrative is its tribute to the carefree way urban youth independently experienced nature in winter.
Using collage as a medium for illustration, Keats tells the story of young Peter who leaves his apartment alone to join neighbors across the hall to play and explore outside in the snow. Bundled in snowsuits and scarves, he and his friends make patterns in the snow using their feet and sticks and marvel at their creations. Peter is so inspired by the snow, he takes a ball of it home as a souvenir, only to find it goes “missing” later in his warm home.
Everyone should own a copy of this celebrated tale; for both its historic importance and vision for how urban youth might re-connect freely to nature today.
Thanks for introducing me to this book. It looks like it would become a fast favorite around here! Keep me in the loop of any upcoming Outdoor Afro Snow Adventures. We would LOVE to come along!
A classic indeed! I will definitely keep you informed of any upcoming fun in the snow!
This is one of many children’s books that have some historical significance. I would also be interested in the “first children’s picture book of its time to feature an African American boy hero” that was written by an African American.
It looks like a great book. Aside from the interesting story, the illustrations really caught my attention. I’ll surely look for this the next time I go to a bookstore.
Yes! The illustrations are my favorite part. You will enjoy this book!
Rue
I actually just got this book as a gift.
I loved this book as a child! (Kind of funny, looking back on it – it was probably the only childhood book I had that featured an African-American child as the main character.) It was one of the first books I bought my son and we now have a great collection of Ezra Jack Keats’ books. I can’t tell you how many times we spent re-enacting scenes from “Goggles”!
I just discovered yourblog, and Oh my I see a book that my girls and I have been reading for the past 12 years! I love it, and will be bookmarking your site now! Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! I am so glad you found us – please visit often and tell others. We are on facebook too!
Rue