August 5, 2024
During a seasonal walk, foxes Celeste and big sister Miriam hear a “deep grumbling sound” that the older sibling confidently identifies as “the roar of a snow dragon.” As the pair continue their trek, Miriam alleges the beast’s attributes: the greedy beings are said to collect snowy “diamond dust,” and their fiery breath results in “frostfire” on windows. Remarking on the migrating creatures’ appetite
for princesses, Miriam offers protection, but the younger sister
reassures, “I’m not a princess...
I am a queen. And I am very brave!”—fearlessness that comes in handy during a surprising encounter. Spray paint, watercolor, glitter, fabric, and digital techniques contribute to the soft glow present in MacKay’s sparkling photographs of mixed-media paper scenes. Clad in stylish coats, the delicate red foxes easily become the focal point of each enchanted spread in this imagination-fueled winter tale. Ages 3–7.
Starred review from August 15, 2024
On a quiet winter walk, two fox sisters look for a snow dragon and find magic in the natural world around them. Miriam and Celeste meander through the glittering, silvery wonder of a snowy day. Miriam, the eldest and a self-proclaimed dragon expert, points out signs that a snow dragon is hiding in their garden. That low, rumbling noise is its roar; a snowbank is its camouflage; and the swirling pattern of frost on a greenhouse window is, in fact, frostfire. Miriam has an answer to all of Celeste's questions: Why doesn't the dragon leave tracks? Where does it go in the summer? Miriam also notes that dragons are sneaky and greedy and that they would love to eat Celeste. Bravely, Celeste marches off alone to confront the dragon. When she finds it, all is not quite as she expected. She returns to her sister, but now Celeste is the one armed with knowledge, and it's Miriam's turn to learn. The sibling relationship is sweetly authentic. Their dynamic has enough mild friction to ring true, with Miriam's slightly know-it-all air and Celeste's tendency to tag along and ask questions, but the sisters' strong bond and mutual trust never waver. Whimsical illustrations feature dreamy colors and soft-focus backgrounds washed out with reflected winter light. This tale is magical anytime, but it's a top choice when seeking a winter story that doesn't center on a holiday. As contemplative and lovely as a walk in the snow.(Picture book. 4-8)
COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Starred review from October 1, 2024
Preschool-Grade 2 *Starred Review* Two foxes clad in cozy coats head out into a dazzling winter's day. Their cavorting is interrupted by a grumbling sound from somewhere in the distance. Miriam, the older sibling, confidently explains that the sound could have emanated from just one source: a snow dragon. Younger Celeste is intrigued by the possibility, though she questions the plausibility of its existence. Miriam insists snow dragons are real and answers all of Celeste's questions easily. Why aren't there any tracks? Dragons fly, of course! Why can't they see them? They disguise themselves as snowbanks, leaving behind only traces of frostfire--the swirling icy patterns on glass. The intrepid pair tumble down snow-covered hills and skate on the frozen pond, all the while pondering snow-dragon specifics. Could it all be true? The sisters will have the unexpected answer before their snowy stroll is through. This gem of a story is an ideal cold-weather companion, offering wintry wonders and a humorous twist that sweetly shifts the dynamic between the sisters. The gently suspenseful story is satisfying on its own, but the exquisite scenes, composed of intricate paper constructions, are a wonder as well. There are sparkling snowflakes, a glowing sky, and a cozy cottage beckoning the foxes home after an eventful day. Frosted endpapers are a perfect final touch. An enchanting outing that will have readers longing to wander a winter wonderland.
COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.