I unexpectedly received a copy of Kate Messner's new picture book Over and Under the Snow (illustrations by Christopher Silas Neal) a few weeks ago and sat down to give it a quick read over lunch and found that for all its brevity this is not a quick read kind of book. Messner's tale of a father and daughter cross country skiing on a moonlit night through the woods near their home is dreamy in the best sense of the word. Messner gently leads the reader along the way, sharing images of a variety of animals who are sleeping beneath the father/daughter team as they glide by. Neal's illustrations, in a soft palette of white, gray and brown with occasional sparks of brighter blues and reds, (in particular the little girl's scarf and gloves serve as talismans on each page for the reader to look for), lull you along with the Messner's text making this a classic bedtime read. I just thought it was beautiful and it gave me the impression of a book that will be around a long time.

There are, sadly, so many lazy poorly written picture books out there (I won't name any of the many celebrity names but oh, how I could...). Do a favor for the little ones in your life - Over and Under the Snow is the real deal and would make a gift that will likely be treasured. (Check out Jules' post over at Seven Imps for more on the book as well as some inside spreads.)

[I do love discovering such a wonderful read by surprise - it's the best thing about book reviewing, don't you think?] [Book sent by Chronicle Books who are made of awesome. Their backlist should be perused at length, now.] [You won't be sorry!]