Snow Family
By Daniel Kirk
Hyperion, $14.99
ISBN 0786803045

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Every time my son and I open one of Daniel Kirk's books, we can't help falling in love all over again with his charming tales and unique illustrations. Kirk has written and illustrated many books, but first for us was Hush, Little Alien, a lullaby to a charming baby alien. Then someone gave my son Moondogs, about a boy who travels into space and finds an amazing land of dog-like, otherworldly creatures.

Now there's Snow Family, the perfect winter treat for you and your family. This time around, Kirk has created a frosty world where snow children are built by humans, then come to life and secretly frolic in the woods. A lively bunch, they love nothing better than zinging snowballs at a hibernating bear. However, this chilly gang stops cold (pardon the pun) when they see a little boy named Jacob building a snowboy with his parents. They are mesmerized as Jacob's parents tighten his scarf and give him a kiss.

Jacob spies the snow children and quickly sneaks away from his family to join their continuous snowball battles. As he plays, this wise little boy realizes that his new companions are missing something crucial. They have no one to tend to their scarves or tuck them in at night.

All of the romping comes to a quick halt when the grumpy bear chases Jacob up a tree. His parents come to his rescue, and Jacob goes home safely. But he doesn't forget his new snow friends. The next morning he goes right to work, building just what the snow children need, a set of snow parents.

While this is a book about snow, it's chocked full of love and warmth and is just right for tucking in little snowball battlers for the night.

Alice Cary writes from her home in Groton, Massachusetts.