Frosty the Snowman

By: Steve Nelson & Jack Rollins
Illustrator: Wade Zahares
Publisher: Imagine/Peter Yarrow; Rei
Publication Date: November 2013
ISBN: 978-1623540128
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: June 21, 2013

It’s never too early to start celebrating the holidays, and if this new, brilliantly illustrated rendition of Frosty the Snowman isn’t enough to get you in the mood, well, then, you’re just an old Scrooge.

Frosty the Snowman first came to life over sixty years ago, and through the years it's been sung by many famous singers such as Gene Autry. The popularity of the song led to a holiday movie and each year, Frosty re-appears to delight new generations of children. In this version, children can follow along with the book as they listen to Kenny Loggins sign the famous song. His version is wonderfully bright and playful, and, along with two other songs on the CD (“Cyndi” and “Fishin’ Blues”) it will undoubtedly be played over and over.

While the read-while-you-sing format of this book/CD combination will enhance the holiday experience, the bright, very bold illustrations will make the book a keeper. The illustrator, Wade Zahares, has a New York Times Best Illustrated Book under his belt (Window Music), and continues to produce amazing artwork. His work has been described as using “…strong lines, bold colors, and dazzling perspective,” and it’s clear that this new edition of Frosty follows his trademark style.

Quill says: A great story, brilliant artwork, and the perfect rendition of the famous song make this edition of Frosty the Snowman a winner.