The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson

Look at that snowman! Aren't those snowflakes so peaceful? I'm not sure what direction today's read will take...well, a cold one... but I'm getting Frosty-the-Snowman vibes, friendship, and warm moments. Let's open it up and see what it holds!

Also, it's Monday, which means it's time for the weekly MMGM list. Middle grade literature fans and knowers get together to give their recommendations for the weeks or other thoughts on the middle grade realm. So, if you're looking for reads for this age group, head on over HERE and see what's what on that front!

THE SNOWMAN CODE

by Simon Stephenson

HaperCollins Children's Books

Middle Grade Fantasy

160 pages

ages 8 to 12

A beautifully hopeful, funny and heartwarming tale about the lasting power of love and friendship, from the critically-acclaimed and award-winning screenwriter behind Pixar’s Luca and Paddington 2.

In London, in a winter which shows no sign of ending, a unique friendship begins.

This is the story of Blessing, aged ten-and-a-half, and Albert Framlington, aged six hundred – an eccentric snowman who has seen many winters in many cities, and who is duty-bound by the Snowman Code to help any child in need. Together, Blessing and Albert must find a way to defeat Blessing’s bullies, win back Albert’s long-lost love Clementine, and even overcome the never-ending winter itself…

Perfect for fans of The Christmasaurus, A Boy Called Christmas, The Snowman and Paddington, The Snowman Code is a heartwarming, hilarious and unforgettable modern classic for families to curl up with on frosty winter nights.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With gentle humor and a touch of fantasy, this is a story with a big, warm heart.

Blessing has found a way to skip school for weeks...or maybe even months if she can. She simply forged a letter to the teacher from her mother, claiming they were moving to Australia. It's the only way Blessing can avoid three bullies, keep her mother from growing more depressed, and avoid having the police bring her to another home again. Her mother always is sad during winter. When Blessing accidentally hits the first Snowman code by talking to a snowman six times, he speaks to her and exposes that he's alive.

This is a magical, winter tale, which reminds a bit of Frosty the Snowman in that Albert, this snowman, is alive and romps through the city (in this story London) with Blessing. This book, however, holds quite a bit more depth as it addresses a few difficult themes such as bullying, parents dealing with mental illnesses, temporary foster care, and a nod toward separation from friends. It tackles all of these themes with careful warmth and a touch of fantasy. Gentle humor and silly situations add needed lightness to keep it from growing too heavy. After all,  a snowman in disguise who has fun with a kid in the middle of London, holds more than a few unexpected moments. So, adventure is definitely not forgotten.

The writing flows well and keeps a quick pace the entire way through. The short sentences, vocabulary level, and larger font spacing make it ideal for ages 7 to 10. There are not only entire-page illustrations sprinkled in but smaller ones decorate every page (which are always a treat). So, it never weighs down or feels heavy.

Despite the depth, the plot remains mostly playful and creates a magical adventure with many situations to draw smiles...even the Abominable Snowmen finds a way to slide into this mix. There's sadness, hope, silliness, adventure, tension, love, and so much more. In other words, it's a well-round, enjoyable read.

And here she is...

Simon Stephenson is a Scottish author, screenwriter, journalist and former physician. He is the author of the novels SOMETIMES PEOPLE DIE (a New York Times Editor\'s Pick, A Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year, and selected for BBC2\'s Between the Covers), SET MY HEART TO FIVE (soon to be a Working Title film directed by Edgar Wright) and the memoir LET NOT THE WAVES OF THE SEA (Winner, Best First Book at the Scottish Book Awards and a Sunday Telegraph Book of the Year). Simon was one of the writers of the critically acclaimed PADDINGTON 2, and his original screenplay for LUCA made it the fastest film to be greenlit in Pixar\'s history. Simon is currently working on projects with New Regency, Complete Fiction, Lionsgate and 42, among others. Simon lives in Los Angeles, and THE SNOWMAN CODE is his first novel for children.