Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing - Hardcover

Oram, Hiawyn

3.29

138 ratings by Goodreads

9781406358254: Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1406358258 ISBN 13: 9781406358254

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd, 2017

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Glimmering with power and hope, two acclaimed picture book makers come together to tell the story of what happens when a boy is brave enough to stand up for what he feels is right. From the Kate-Greenaway shortlisted illustrator of Oliver and Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance, and highly acclaimed author, Hiawyn Oram, comes a poignant eco-conscious story, and a vivid portrayal of a child's imaginative play. Greedy Greenbackboy's got an idea for a game. He wants Snowboy to help him cut down all the trees in the forest and catch all the fish in the deep and ever-moving ocean. But Snowboy recognizes the importance of life in the natural world around him and, in this evocatively told tale, has to trust his instinct to protect, rather than destroy...

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About the Author:

Hiawyn Oram has been writing children's books for more than 20 years and has more than 90 books published to date, including the picture books Angry Arthur, The Good Mood Hunt and Filbert, the Good Little Fiend, illustrated by Jimmy Liao. She has won the Japanese Picture Book Award and the Prix du Livre Culturel. She lives in West London. Find her on Twitter as @hiawynoram. Birgitta Sif was born in Iceland and lived in and around Scandinavia and America while growing up. She is the illustrator of Miss Hazeltine's Home for Shy and Fearful Cats, written by Alicia Potter, as well as the author and illustrator of the Kate Greenaway shortlisted picture book, Oliver, and Frances Dean Who Loved To Dance and Dance, both of which were endorsed by Amnesty International. Birgitta lives with her family in Cambridge. Find her online at www.birgittasif.com and on Twitter and Instagram as @birgittasif.

From School Library Journal:

PreS-Gr 2—Meet Snowboy, a child attired in pajamas, a pointy cap, and his Cloak of Many Uses, and armed with a lively imagination. Snowboy's game is interrupted, however, by Greenbackboy. Taller than Snowboy and slyly self-assured, Greenbackboy sports suspenders and an animal-ear hat. "I know a better game than this," he tells Snowboy. "It's called KA-CHING, and it starts in the forests." Unfortunately, Greenbackboy's "game" involves the speedy, irresponsible depletion of natural resources in exchange for money. Snowboy is uncomfortable with Greenbackboy's directives to cut down all the trees in the forest and catch all the fish in the oceans, so he hides a single remaining tree with his cloak and discreetly lets two fish go. When Greenbackboy inevitably learns that "you can't eat KA-CHING," readers realize that slowly, the tiny tree and the two fish can help heal the wrecked land. The pencil-based drawings inked with rich, earthy hues are lovely. The tiny tree and all the fish appear to glow golden, emphasizing how precious and valuable they are. The KA-CHING (gold) glows similarly, a visual depiction of its true cost. Snowboy and Greenbackboy have expressive faces, and Snowboy's animal companions are a sweet touch. Though it's cute and quirky, the story has a clear purpose: to help children understand the importance of conserving natural resources. VERDICT A fine purchase, and an excellent springboard for discussions about conservation.—Sara White, Seminole County Public Library, Casselberry, FL

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