The Snowy Day

First published in 1962, THE SNOWY DAY was the first full-color picture book to feature an African-American as its main character. One day a boy named Peter wakes up to discover that snow has fallen during the night. After breakfast, Peter dons his red snowsuit and solitarily explores his newly snowy world. He enjoys such activities as making snow angels and building a snowman, and even considers joining some bigger boys in a snowball fight, although he realizes that he's not yet old enough for such activities. After a day full of fun, Peter tucks a snowball in his pocket and returns home. Later, however, he is disappointed to discover that his snowball has melted away. That night he dreams that all the snow has melted, but in the morning he is delighted to discover that not only is his neighborhood still snow-covered, but that it's also still snowing. Once again, he ventures out into the snow for a day of fun--this time accompanied by his friend from across the hall. This peaceful, gentle story, which is illustrated with torn paper collages and watercolor paintings, is the winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal.