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Children's Fiction Pets

On a Snowy Night

by (author) Jean Little

illustrated by Brian Deines

Publisher
Scholastic Canada Ltd
Initial publish date
Oct 2013
Category
Pets, Friendship, Rabbits
Recommended Age
5 to 7
Recommended Grade
k to 2
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781443113595
    Publish Date
    Oct 2013
    List Price
    $19.99

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

A heartwarming wintertime tale about a bunny and her boy.

When Brandon was first given his rabbit, Rosa, he thought she was better than perfect. He would stroke her and feed her bits of carrots and apples from his fingers. And Rosa felt happy. But as Brandon grew up, he became too busy to play. Rosa was hungry and lonely and worried that nobody loved her.

One snowy day, Brandon takes Rosa outside to show her the snow . . . and then forgets her. With the help of some friendly woodland animals, she is able to find her way home — just as Brandon comes out to look for her. A bit of separation has made him realize what he almost lost, and Rosa knows from the smile on his face that he really does love her after all.

On a Snowy Night is a sweet tale of friendship, with a gentle message about helping others. Readers will delight in Jean Little's soothing text and Brian Deines's warm, expressive illustrations as they enjoy this reassuring tale again and again.

About the authors

Jean Little was born in Taiwan in 1932. Her parents were both doctors. Jean grew up in Ontario and graduated from the University of Toronto. She was born with a severe eye problem and is severely visually impaired. A special "talking" computer assists her with her writing. She has a retired seeing-eye dog named Ritz and a new one named Pippa, with whom she travels. The author focuses on her experiences from the time she was a child through young adulthood in her autobiography, Little by Little, and continues her story in Stars Come Out Within. The books, which will appeal to children 10 and older, are both humorous and poignant as Jean describes living with a disability and the ridicule she sometimes experienced as a result, as well as her love for the world of reading and books. Jean's books include From Anna, Listen for the Singing, Stand In The Wind, Mama's Going To Buy You a Mockingbird, Hey World, Here I Am!, Look through My Window, Emma's Yucky Brother, The Belonging Place, and Mine For Keeps. Listen for the Singing was the Canada Council Children's Literature Award winner in 1977. Mama's Going to Buy You a Mockingbird was the CLA Book of the Year in 1985.
Jean Little's first book, Mine for Keeps, won the Little, Brown Children's Book Award in 1962 and was republished by Viking Penguin in 1995. It tells the story of Sally Copeland, a 10 year old with cerebral palsy, and her adjustment to being home after spending several years in a special school. You'll find that several of the themes in this book appear in a number of the author's other books: dealing with a handicap and the responses of others, fitting in, and adjusting to new situations and surroundings.
http://www.jeanlittle.com/

 

Jean Little's profile page

BRIAN DEINES has illustrated numerous books for children, including SkySisters

 

(written by Jan BourdeauWaboose), Dragonfly Kites (written by Thomson Highway),

 

and One Hockey Night (written by DavidWard). He has been nominated for

numerous awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Ruth and

Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Literature Award, the Martha Baillie Picture Book

Award, and the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award. A native of Red Deer, Alberta,

Brian lives in Toronto.

Brian Deines' profile page

Awards

  • Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre
  • Short-listed, Shining Willow Award (Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice)
  • Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
  • Commended, Resource Links, Best of the Year

Editorial Reviews

Praise for On a Snowy Night:

"The story speaks to the spirit of the holiday, regardless of religion or culture. When the animals rise above their differences to help Rosa, their compassion will resonate with readers of all ages . . . Highly recommended for a holiday read-aloud that ends in a hug." —The National Reading Campaign

"A compelling tale which will resonate with young readers. The emotions of happiness, sadness, concern and relief may be experienced as Rosa's challenges arise, both inside and outside her home." —Canadian Children's Book News

On a Snowy Night is a captivating tale simply told in Jean Little's recognizable style, with a generous helping of themes for young minds to ponder . . . a great bedtime read aloud." —CM: Canadian Review of Materials

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