Wolf decides to write a story about a “NICE wolf” unlike the nasty, scary, greedy creatures that he finds in his story books.
Wolf begins to write about Mr. Nice Wolf who wants to be friends with the creature whose footprints he discovers in the snow. The animals that he meets as he follows the tracks into the forest don’t trust him to be friendly and they scurry away. When Mr. Nice meets the animal he’s been seeking, author Wolf has difficulty keeping the story as kind and gentle as he had planned.
Matsuoka’s softly colored mixed-media illustrations keep readers aware of both Wolf and his tale. At the edges of various pages, there are glimpses of Wolf’s paws, pencils and pens, writing desk, and research material. The text follows along the wandering trail of footprints.
Footprints in the Snow can be enjoyed as a story for younger children or as a springboard for creative writing by older children. The format makes it an excellent group book but in a one-on-one setting, there are many clever details to be discovered in the pictures.
Check the WRL catalog for Footprints in the Snow.
