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A review by jecoats
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
5.0
I discovered this picturebook while searching for winners of the Caldecott Medal (which this book was awarded in 2018) on Goodreads. I checked out a physical copy from my local library.
Matthew Cordell’s Wolf in the Snow is a very simple, straightforward tale about a young girl who becomes lost in a snowstorm on her way home from school. As she makes her way through the snowy cold, she encounters a wolf pup who is also lost. Together, the unlikely duo must survive the harsh environment together as they wait to be rescued.
I quite enjoyed this picturebook, specifically because it has almost no text. With the exception of the lost girl’s “huff huff” sounds, and the howls and whines of a few animals, there are no words to guide the reader through the story. But Cordell allows his artwork to carry the story, giving both the lost girl and the creatures she meets expressions that convey a lot of meaning and emotion. For instance, there is a moment in the story where the girl and the wolf pup enter the woods and hear the spooky screech of an owl. Based on Cordell’s illustrations, it is clear to the reader that both the girl and the wolf are terrified.
Cordell’s artwork is very unique, and appears to be a combination of watercolor and pen/ink drawing. Cordell also makes good use of light and shadow, making it apparent to the reader that night is slowly falling, creating a sense of tension throughout the narrative. In a way, this makes the setting feel like a character in the story as well - a looming, ominous threat to the safety of the girl and the wolf. It is also worth noting that the little girl is dressed in red, which makes her contrast with the stark white and greys of the snowy landscape. I think this is a great choice as the reader’s eyes are always drawn to the main character of the story.
I think this book could be used as a mentor text for older students as it is a great example of how much storytelling expressive illustrations can do, as well as exemplar on how color and light can be utilized to tell a story. I think younger readers will enjoy this heartwarming, yet harrowing, tale of friendship and survival. I also think younger readers will enjoy the lovely, almost cartoon-like, illustrations. This is a lovely picturebook, and I'd recommend anyone give this title a read.
Matthew Cordell’s Wolf in the Snow is a very simple, straightforward tale about a young girl who becomes lost in a snowstorm on her way home from school. As she makes her way through the snowy cold, she encounters a wolf pup who is also lost. Together, the unlikely duo must survive the harsh environment together as they wait to be rescued.
I quite enjoyed this picturebook, specifically because it has almost no text. With the exception of the lost girl’s “huff huff” sounds, and the howls and whines of a few animals, there are no words to guide the reader through the story. But Cordell allows his artwork to carry the story, giving both the lost girl and the creatures she meets expressions that convey a lot of meaning and emotion. For instance, there is a moment in the story where the girl and the wolf pup enter the woods and hear the spooky screech of an owl. Based on Cordell’s illustrations, it is clear to the reader that both the girl and the wolf are terrified.
Cordell’s artwork is very unique, and appears to be a combination of watercolor and pen/ink drawing. Cordell also makes good use of light and shadow, making it apparent to the reader that night is slowly falling, creating a sense of tension throughout the narrative. In a way, this makes the setting feel like a character in the story as well - a looming, ominous threat to the safety of the girl and the wolf. It is also worth noting that the little girl is dressed in red, which makes her contrast with the stark white and greys of the snowy landscape. I think this is a great choice as the reader’s eyes are always drawn to the main character of the story.
I think this book could be used as a mentor text for older students as it is a great example of how much storytelling expressive illustrations can do, as well as exemplar on how color and light can be utilized to tell a story. I think younger readers will enjoy this heartwarming, yet harrowing, tale of friendship and survival. I also think younger readers will enjoy the lovely, almost cartoon-like, illustrations. This is a lovely picturebook, and I'd recommend anyone give this title a read.