This classic poem has been beautifully illustrated to make a wonderfully evocative seasonal picture book. From its opening lines- “No breath of wind,/ No gleam of sun -/ Still the white snow/ Whirls softly down-“ – Walter de la Mare’s poem tells of a family’s preparation for Christmas against the whirling snowflakes that will so magically change the world outside – just in time for the festivities.
'No breath of wind, No gleam of sun Still the white snow Whirls softly down' Outside, the world turns to white and three children and a dog build a snowman, throw snowballs and explore the frozen expanses
Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was born in Charlton, Kent. In 1907 he published his first collection of poems he soon established a wide popular reputation with volumes like The Listeners. He wrote poetry and short stories for younger readers; Peacock Pie (1913) is now considered a twentieth-century classic. Carolina Rabei was born in 1989 in Moldova. She moved to Cambridge, England in September 2012 to complete an MA in illustration. Her first picture book, Snow, with words by Walter de la Mare, was published to huge critical acclaim. She has since illustrated three other de la Mare picture books; The Ride-by-Nights, Summer Evening and Silver.
