**I was provided a free copy of this book by the authors, in exchange for an honest review. The links provided in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you click through to purchase, I may be afforded a slight compensation by Amazon for your purchase through them.**
Did you know a polar bear’s hair is hollow?
Did you know snow will not melt on a wolf’s fur?
Or, how about birds love to eat most butterflies, except Monarchs due to the bad taste of Monarch butterflies?
Or, when you see a bunny jumping in the air and spinning around, that behavior is called “binky”?
Although I may have known once upon a time that snow did not melt on a wolf’s fur, all of the other facts about various animals are some of the most fascinating lessons I recently learned through the book Pawprints in the Snow, written by Susan Miura and Patt Nicholls.
Teachers and parenting experts alike agree engaging small children in lessons via song does wonders to capture their attention. Often, the melody and the catchiness of the tune sparks interest in a subject, and rhymes allow most children to pick up lessons rather quickly.
As I read, and re-read, and possibly re-re-read Pawprints in the Snow to my five year old, not only was he actively engaged in listening, but my two year old would find herself being drawn back over and over again to inquire as to the animal on the page. Several times, she would interrupt engage with us, showcasing the sound the animal makes.
My five year old was fascinated by the facts written about each animal, which in turn, would spark various random questions – many times posed to yours truly while we were on the drive to school.
And, the poetry itself was well-written, allowing for an easy flow of words, rather than becoming repetitive in nature.
The full-page pictures and the collages of animals throughout Pawprints in the Snow was visually appealing, and seeing them in their natural habitats gave my son some excitement, as he noticed a polar bear drink from a stream, a whale flip, and the butterfly settle on a flower. Having the lifetime photos really appeared to captivate my son more, as he was able to draw connections between the animal we were reading about, and the animal he has seen at the zoo or aquarium.
Within the first week of traditional Jesse Tree activities, there is a focus on God creating the world, and Noah building the ark, ushering animals two-by-two. Having Pawprints in the Snow in our home even before Advent, we had already begun discussing God’s role in our creation. This particular book was a great addition to the discussions, bolstering my attempts to teach my son that everything, and everyone, has a role in this vast world.
Both Ms. Muira and Ms. Nicholls wove reminders throughout their poetry that God loves, and cares for, each and every animal in this world. This seemingly simple lesson, sometimes difficult for even adults to comprehend, enabled me to continue to encourage my son’s careful treatment and consideration of our family dogs.
The lesson of God’s love also prompted our son to recognize if God loves even the smallest creature, then He will also extend that love to God’s people, as well.
My son’s review is, “Yes, everyone should buy it for their kids, because it would be fun for their kids!”
Knowing Pawprints in the Snow attracted my youngest, as well as continued to engage my oldest, makes this particular book a keeper for our household bookshelves. Even as an adult, not only did I learn a few new facts about animals, but I also enjoyed reading this aloud the half dozen (cough, or dozen) times it has been read!
If you are looking for a book of poetry, which touches various ages in your home, and is designed to remind small children of God’s love for His creatures, then this is certainly a book in which to invest.