| Winter's First Snowflake
More About the Book A beautifully illustrated story that is sure to capture the imagination of young readers and the young-at-heart. Follow along, with the author's unique style of rhythm and rhyme, as the first snowflake of the season comes to life through the illustrator's magical blend of soft pastels. Share in the anticipation as the North Wind carries this little snowflake on a whimsical and playful journey. This delightful tale is sure to become a keepsake for all ages and a seasonal treasure. Reviews "This delightfully whimsical picture book will be sure to enchant readers of all ages!" "Here is a book for any child who has ever looked forward to the first snow of the year. Cheri L. Hallwood and Patricia M.Rose have created this exciting children's book where a child can have the first snowfall of the year any time of the year. This beautifully illustrated and well written book will be treasure in any child's collection." "It is exciting when children are able to recite the words of a book after hearing it only a few times. “Winter’s First Snowflake” is the kind of book that children can do this with. The beautiful pictures and the simple but beautiful words make this book a “Must Have”. Good rhyming for beginning readers." "Winter's First Snowflake captures the journey of a snowflake imagining where it will land after it's fall from the heavens. In language both simple and memorable, writer Cheri Hallwood of Niles creates a world of possibilities that children will identify with. Patricia Rose, also of Niles, illustrates that world in pastels and whimisical drawings with enough detail to invite a child to linger on the pages long after the story is read "
Inspiration This book will always be very close to my heart, as it was the very first story I would use to share my stories and my style of writing. “Winter’s First Snowflake” started out as a very short lyrical poem. The words came to me in the wee hours of a still and chilly November night in 2003. It had been another sleepless night and I was feeling very melancholy with the approaching holiday season just days away. I was reminiscing about my childhood holidays spent with my mom, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, who are no longer around to share in my life. Oh, how I wished they could be here with my family and me. I started to visualize all the wonderful times we had together, when I noticed the first snowflake of the season begin to fall. It was so large and yet so white and fluffy. This beautiful snowflake sparkled with such brilliance, I starred in amazement as I watched it fall ever so gently to the ground. Within the next few hours, I would have the beginnings of my first poem on paper. Over the next few days, I would watch my oldest granddaughters, Ali, Aubrey and Hannah, who are my inspiration for so many things; try to catch a snowflake on their tongue. As you can see from the cover of the book, it seemed to miss their tongue and land on their nose. I hope you and your special child will enjoy sharing in the anticipation of this little snowflake, as the North Wind carries it on a beautiful and playful journey. (My granddaughter Hannah says it’s her favorite.) While searching for that special someone to bring the snowflake story to life, I was lucky enough to find Patricia M. Rose, a wonderfully talented artist that just happens to live right here in my own hometown of Niles, Michigan. Patty modeled the little girl in the story after the three oldest granddaughters, taking a special feature from each one. Patty’s light and gentle touch, combined with her use of soft pastels, makes each illustration a work of art. Patty and I have shared many cups of coffee as we worked together to create what we feel is a simple yet charming story. I am very fortunate to have found a new friend as well as a talented illustrator.
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Written by Cheri L. Hallwood
Winter’s First Snowflake had been chosen as the recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award for Most Outstanding Children's Book!
