The latest addition to the Andy and Sandy series finds the two friends celebrating winter's first snow. The ever-enthusiastic Sandy is ready to go, while cautious Andy is more tentative: "Snow is very wet and VERY COLD." Before long, however, both are having fun building a snowman, sledding, and making snow angels. The brief text offers much to emerging readers: a predictable story; succinct sentences; and appealing, diverse characters involved in familiar activities. DePaola's distinctive acrylic-and-colored-pencil artwork features soft colors, generous white backgrounds, and characters portrayed in settings often defined by simple lines. Red-haired, spectacled Sandy and brown-skinned Andy clearly communicate their changing perspectives on snow with expressive faces and energetic body positions, while delightful endpapers depict each child's idea of winter fun. A satisfying pick for newly minted readers.

PreS-Gr 1 In the third book in the series, Andy and Sandy find themselves playing in the first snow of the season. At first, Andy is hesitant to go out in the cold, but as Sandy introduces him to exciting winter activities (building a snowman, sledding down the hill, and making beautiful snow angels), he is glad to be outdoors. When Sandy decides she is cold, the pair head inside for hot chocolate by a warm fire. This book is perfect for young children learning how to read. Endpapers reveal the characters' artwork, which describe the wintry season. Illustrations are done in acrylics and colored pencil, making the tone of the story sweet and playful. VERDICT No need to have read the first two titles in this series; this one can stand on its own. A fun seasonal selection for beginning readers. Martha Rico, El Paso ISD, TX