The Snowman by Raymond Briggs is a magical, wordless picture book that captures the simple yet profound wonder of a child’s imagination. The story of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life is beautifully told through its soft, detailed illustrations. Without any text, the book invites you to interpret the moments, giving each page a quiet charm.
The beauty of The Snowman is in its ability to convey deep emotions through silence, much like snowfall itself. Briggs’ illustrations bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth, even as they depict the cold, wintry landscape. The bond between the boy and the snowman feels so real, even though it’s fleeting, reminding us of the impermanence of magic, childhood, and even snow.
As an adult, revisiting this book stirs those same feelings of wonder and melancholy that I experienced as a child. The snowy, dream-like journey they embark on evokes a sense of timelessness. The ending, though bittersweet, speaks to the beauty of those moments we can’t hold onto but will always cherish. It’s a reminder of how some stories, told without words, can say the most.
Every time I return to The Snowman , I’m reminded that sometimes the quietest stories are the ones that stay with us the longest.
Questions to ask while reading:
- How does the story of The Snowman make you feel about the passage of time and the fleeting nature of special moments?
- What do you think the boy felt when he saw the snowman had melted?
- What adventures would you go on with your own snowman?
The Snowman on Amazon