When Will It Snow? by Katherine White and Alison Edgson

Imagine what it must be like to never have seen snow or galloped around in the lovely crunchy white stuff? I distinctly remember the first time we had real proper snow and Charlotte's reaction to it, one of those childhood expressions that can only be brought about by something as wildly different to a youngster's perceived view of the world as a fall of snow.

The little bear in "When Will It Snow?" pesters his mum about it until she reveals that as winter comes, bears must think of hibernation, tucking up snugly until spring. But little bear just wants to stay awake with his friends, to learn what snow is really like.

He stares to the sky and wishes, but all too soon it's time to go - and the poor little bear worries that his friends will forget all about him while he sleeps.

What happens in spring? You'll have to read the book to find out, of course.

Fitting in nicely with our festive round of reviews, "When Will It Snow" delights youngsters with a gentle story of wonder and friendship and how the world changes once the first snow arrives. Once again we tip our hat firmly to Alison Edgson (who doesn't in fact have 8 arms, just two very fast-working ones - or so she told us on Twitter!) and to Kathryn White for weaving such a cuddly tale perfect for those chilly winter nights.

Charlotte's best bit: The end of the book (which obviously we don't want to spoil)
Daddy's favourite bit: A story that deliciously describes friendships and how even a break from those you love and cherish doesn't change how they feel if they're true friends. Lovely!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Little Tiger Press)