Snow ghost by Tony Mitton

Illus. by Diana Mayo. Bloomsbury, 2020.ISBN: 9781408876633.
(Ages: 4-8) Wintery, ethereal illustrations accompany this magical tale of hope and belonging. An enticing front cover filled with sparkling snow is followed by equally enthralling illustrations throughout. A dull colour palate is offset with pops of bright colour and the crispy white of the snowy landscape. The endpapers are also stunning and the delight on the children's faces is palpable.
The story is rhythmic and tells a dreamy story of a snow ghost 'searching for somewhere to settle - but where?' Strong visual imagery gives the reader a real sense of the darkness and loneliness of the winter landscape ('dense, tangled wood', 'where the chilly winds blow and endlessly murmur'). Snow Ghost drifts over town and wood, searching for a place that will be welcoming until she finally finds a small country farm. 'Could this be the place to find safety and calm?' A boy and girl wearing bright clothes are playing and laughing outside in the snow and Snow Ghost knows that this is the 'place she at last could call home'.
This is a gentle story perfect for bedtime sharing. It is worth noting that this is a follow up to Tony Mitton's previous publication Snow Bear (illustrated by Alison Brown), following an almost identical formula and themes.
Themes: Belonging, Rhyming story.
Nicole Nelson