The First Snow - by Marie Stumpfova & Radek Maly (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Experience the magic of the first snow as Agnes and Stefan embark on a backyard adventure in this poetic picture book.

Step into a winter wonderland with The First Snow, a heartwarming picture book that transports readers to the enchanting world of Agnes and Stefan. Set in a cozy garden, the story unfolds as the first snowfall blankets the landscape, sparking the children's imaginations. Through beautifully poetic illustrations, young readers are invited to join Agnes and Stefan on their whimsical journey, where a snowy lawn becomes an endless plain, and a bear becomes their trusty companion. This captivating tale captures the joy and magic of a snowy day, igniting the imaginations of children and adults alike."

The First Snow is a timeless tale that celebrates the pure and boundless wonder of childhood. With its poetic prose and enchanting illustrations, it engages the senses and sparks the imagination of young readers. This book is a delightful addition to any child's library, promising cozy moments of shared reading and cherished memories. It invites families to embrace the magic of a snowy day and kindles the spirit of adventure and creativity in children. Perfect for parents and caregivers looking for a heartwarming story to share with their little ones, The First Snow captures the essence of childhood joy and the beauty of a snowy landscape.

Review Quotes

"PreS-Gr 2-A beautifully crafted picture book for young children, done through the partnership of Czech creators. A sister and brother are awakened early one Saturday morning by the sun coming through their window. Snow has fallen and the whole world has changed. It is the magic of the first snow. They spend their day outside, playing in the snow. They then get to work and make a snow bear, which takes them on a great adventure. They notice animal tracks in the snow, fill a bird feeder, and discover an ice castle where they find a long-lost treasure. When they return home, their mother is able to join them in the snowy, white magical world. Stumpfová and Mallý are authors of several picture books for young children that celebrate nature and provide teachable moments for parents and educators. Teachers can incorporate this title into their lessons about seasons, and it is great source for building vocabulary words. VERDICT Educators or parents can use this book to encourage and enhance children's imaginations and to inspire them to start their own first snow traditions." --Laura Ellis, School Library Journal

"When the first snow starts to fall, it's like a fairy tale for all," repeats this awe-filled translation starring two siblings. After Stefan and Agnes awaken to find the world outside their window "covered with a white blanket," the two spend an unhurried morning marveling at winter's transformational effects and relishing the imaginings it inspires. Standard activities such as making snow angels and following animal tracks mingle with more fantastical moments as the pair journey on a snow-built polar bear and discover an ice palace where their greenhouse used to be, building to their mother's joining them in snowy day revels. Lengthy text from Stumpfová and Malý largely sticks to familiar metaphors, while retro-styled artwork by Stumpfová wows with color layering and stamp-like effects, most notably in a lacy spread of the children peeking through the "ice flowers" on the greenhouse window. Skin tones reflect the white of the page. Ages 4-7." --Publishers Weekly

"A brother and sister let their imaginations run wild as they embrace the first snowfall in this cozy picture book. The magic touch of the first snow transforms a greenhouse into an ice castle and a snow sculpture into a friendly polar bear for Stefan and Agnes as they explore their frosted village. The illustrations use pastel tones and soft textures to convey the muted feeling of a snowy day, while the warmth of familial love and care comes through bold and bright." --Danielle Ballantyne, Foreword Reviews

"Ah, now here's a pretty one. Beautiful palette on this next book. It's a story that tries to convey that feeling you get when you wake up and the world is entirely covered in white. This comes to us from a pair based out of Prague (and country that knows from snow) and you may possibly remember the illustrator from Red Comet's How Animals Sleep. It has a bit of a Snowman vibe, if only because a snow creature comes alive and takes the kids in the story in a small, safe adventure. Less sad at the end, though, I'd say." --Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

"The illustrations create a mystical magical winter world in pale colors of blue, white and silver. Use this one in a November storytime when kids are waiting for snow." --Katrina Yurenka, Youth Services Book Review

"Readers will relate to the infinite possibilities and imaginative play opportunities that await Stefan and Agnes, as depicted by the gorgeous, pastel colored illustrations." --Olivia the Librarian, IG

"Charming story that would make a great addition to any library." --Fairfield County District Library, Librarian

"This was a fun story full of quite a bit of text and description of this snowy day in a natural world. The illustrations are beautiful and illuminate the snowy landscape on each page. What a perfect story on a cold snowy day with a cup of hot chocolate in one hand and this story in the other." --Lynne Wright, Oregon Coast Youth Book Review

"What a beautiful, imaginative, fun book! The soft illustrations and text hold a sense of wonder." --Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company, Bookseller

About the Author

Marie Stumpfova is a visual artist, illustrator, and author who loves crossing over into other disciplines and graphic techniques. In recent years, her primary focus has shifted towards her freelance work, which encompasses drawing, painting, and printmaking, and she has transitioned away from creating content for children and now concentrates on exploring feminine themes. As a member of the Association of Czech Graphic Artists, Marie has earned numerous prestigious book awards in the Czech Republic, where she lives.

Radek Maly is a Czech writer, poet, translator, and university teacher. He has achieved international success through his young adult book Franz Kafka: A Man of His Time and Our Own (2017) and his picture book Our Cat's Day (2023). His non-fiction books Atlas of Extinct Animals (2021), Atlas of Endangered Animals (2021), and Atlas of Prehistoric Animals (2024) have been translated into several languages, and his poetry collection for children Postman Wind (2011) was entered on the IBBY Honour List.