Community Snowman
Community Snowman by Deborah Kerbel, published by Groundwood Books on October 8, 2025, is a wordless story that captures the essence of community spirit on a cold winter day. This 32-page book illustrates how a simple act of building a snowman transforms into a collaborative neighborhood gathering, showcasing the joy of working together and the connections formed through shared experiences.
Readers will find a narrative that unfolds through vibrant illustrations, depicting a girl who discovers the joy of building a snowman with the help of her neighbors. As children and adults contribute unique items from their lunches and winter attire, the snowman takes shape, symbolizing the warmth of community. The story culminates in a touching moment as a veteran adds a final detail, emphasizing themes of kindness and generosity. This edition is suitable for early learning and engages with concepts related to growing up and difficult discussions, making it a valuable addition to children’s literature.
Official synopsis Publisher
Building a snowman becomes a community effort, in this wordless story about a cold winter day that snowballs into a warm neighborhood gathering.
One morning, a girl wakes up to discover that it has snowed overnight. After breakfast she starts building a snowman — and soon realizes that it’s easier and more fun to do with some help!
Other kids join in to help roll the balls that make up the snowman’s body. A passing teenager helps them reach to place the head. Then more neighbors come along and each contribute something unique from their packed lunches or winter ensembles: a pickle for a nose, bagel halves for the ears, lychee buttons, a shawl …
The final touch comes in the form of a poppy pin placed by a veteran over the snowman’s heart. The snowman smiles as the community members pause to admire their work. And when the crowd disperses, the girl and her grandfather stay behind to share a snack and warmth with someone who needs them.
Inspired by a real “community snowman” built by neighbors, author Deborah Kerbel has crafted a narrative about serendipitous connections, working together and paying it forward. These themes — and more! — are brought to life by the comic brilliance of Tine Modeweg-Hansen.
Key Text Features
wordless
panels
illustrations
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
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