BOOK REVIEW: The Snowman Code

 

THE SNOWMAN CODE
by Simon Stephenson
Available now

Blessing wants nothing more than to see her mother Margaret happy. Unfortunately, winter seems to make her sad, and this particular winter has gone on for months too long. And if her mother stays sad, then Blessing may have to move away for good. Fortunately, while she's out skipping school again, she runs into the exact right "person" to help her: a centuries-old snowman named Albert Framlington.

According to the Snowman Code, snowmen must help children in need of assistance, and Blessing definitely qualifies. In addition to the issue of her mother and the neverending winter, she's also set upon by a trio of bullies - hence why she can't go back to school. But as it happens, Albert has a problem of his own: he's looking for his lost love, Clementine, whom he hasn't seen in more than 300 years. And Blessing soon discovers that Albert's problem may be more closely tied to some of hers than expected. To release the world from winter and to help Margaret, Blessing and Albert take up the hunt to find Clementine.

The Snowman Code is just as adorable as it sound - but while it's accessible to young readers and written in a way they can easily follow, it never talks down to them. The narrative addresses a lot of heavy topics, albeit topics that young people won't be unfamiliar with: bullying, mental health (including and especially seasonal disorders), and grief at the loss of a loved one. Albert's well-meaning but reticent nature allows Blessing to be the authority in her own story, speaking out for herself in situations where she is scared or feels endangered. Which, frankly, is important.

While it does not end perfectly happily (but what story of a child befriending a snowman does?), it ends hopefully. After all, just as much as Albert wants to reunite with Clementine, Blessing wants to be back with her mother - and for her mother to be well, or at least as well as can be hoped for. Paired with Reggie Brown's cozy and friendly illustrations, this is a perfect book to read together with young family as a reassurance against the dark, cold months.

TEA PAIRING: Caramel Cabin
Albert and his snowman friends may need to be cautious around especially warm things, but this caramel black tea is perfect for humans looking to guard against the winter chill. Use my code KARA15 to save 15% on this and other blends from Chapters!