If It's Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws! - Hardcover

Kim Norman has been a singer, songwriter, artist, and comedic actress. Her picture books include Crocodaddy, Ten on the Sled, and The Great Christmas Crisis (all Sterling). Kim lives in VA. Learn more about her at kimnormanbooks.com. Liza Woodruff has illustrated 14 books, including How About a Kiss from Me? (Dutton) and Ten on the Sled (Sterling). In addition, she illustrates school textbooks, magazines, and posters. Liza lives in VT with her husband Tom and their two children. Learn more about her at lizawoodruff.com.
 

“A wintry riff on the popular participation song, with a cast of appropriate cold-climate animals. A rabbit in sunglasses slides down a snowy hill, using a polar bear pal as a sled. Penguin, walrus, fox and others look on approvingly. The text faithfully follows the rhythms of the song as these characters frolic. 'If your fur is full of flurries, taste a flake' shows the walrus making snow angels while the wolf and bighorn sheep skate neat figure eights around him. 'If it's shimmery and sunny, sculpt a friend' features almost all the animals making snow animals. (The moose is sunning in a chair with a reflector.) They also build a fort, blow a kiss, give a roar and share a meal ('If it's starry and you're starving...'). Everyone shares a cave at the end of the day: 'If it's sleeting and you're sleepy, climb in bed.' It's like a big pajama party. In their sleep, all dream of more exciting fun they can have tomorrow. Norman's solid variations on the preschool song are completely singer-friendly, supported by Woodruff's crisply drawn, smiling animals, in watercolor, colored pencil and pastel. Consistently entertaining and engaging. All together now!” —Kirkus Reviews “Here's a cheerful and humorous take on the old, familiar tune 'If You're Happy and You Know It.' The focus here is the joys of winter: 'If it's snowy and you know it, clap your paws.' The pairing of verse and illustration highlights the outdoor activities enjoyed during winter months. Animals—from bears to bunnies to seals—are shown cavorting across the double-page spreads, skiing, sledding, skating, and generally having a great time. Toward the end, the action slows with tired and cold animals seeking indoor activities such as reading, drawing, or sleepovers. Begging to be sung at storytime, the lyrics roll off the tongue easily. Search no longer for the book to brighten long, dreary days. Once children learn the verses, they will sing this tune all winter long. Pair with Ten on a Sled (2010), also by this talented author-illustrator team.” —Booklist