A Snowman Built by Many Hands: A Fresh Look at Community Snowman
In a world where noise often drowns out nuance, Community Snowman by Deborah Kerbel offers a rare gift: silence that sings. This wordless picture book doesn’t just tell a story—it invites readers to co-create it. With each page turn, we’re drawn into a snowy neighbourhood where children of all backgrounds come together to build more than just a snowman—they build belonging.
The story begins with a single child stepping into a freshly fallen landscape. There’s no narration, no dialogue—just the soft hush of snow and the universal language of gesture, expression, and shared purpose. As more children arrive, the snowman grows—not just in size, but in meaning. A pickle nose, bagel ears, and a poppy pin are more than quirky decorations; they’re cultural breadcrumbs, each one a nod to the lives and stories behind the mittens.
Wordless, Yet Wonderfully Loud
Kerbel’s decision to forgo text is a masterstroke. It levels the playing field for readers of all ages, languages, and abilities. It also demands presence. You can’t skim this book—you have to feel it. Illustrator Tine Modeweg-Hansen’s panels are soft yet expressive, capturing the rhythm of a community in motion: the laughter, the teamwork, the quiet awe of creation.
What’s most striking is how the snowman becomes a mirror. For some, it’s a symbol of joy. For others, remembrance. For all, it’s a shared achievement. The final spread doesn’t shout triumph—it breathes it.
A Canadian Classic in the Making
There’s something unmistakably Canadian about this book—not just in its snowy setting, but in its spirit. It honours multiculturalism without preaching it. It celebrates community without defining it. And it reminds us that even in the coldest seasons, warmth is something we can build together.
Community Snowman isn’t just a winter read—it’s a conversation starter, a classroom catalyst, and a quiet revolution in how we tell stories. It belongs on every shelf where kindness, creativity, and connection are valued.
Final Thought
This isn’t just a book about building a snowman. It’s about building bridges—between cultures, generations, and hearts. And in that, it’s truly timeless.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
*Please note that this book was provided in exchange of an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.
