Book Review: The Snowman Code Novel Retells a Classic Story
Winter is the perfect time to introduce cozy tales to children. The Snowman Code is a new novel that updates an old snowman tale and could be a great gift to make those long winter afternoons go by faster. Read on for a spoiler-free review of the novel The Snowman Code, published by Simon & Schuster.
Publisher provided a ARC for review, however all thoughts and opinions our own. This post contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission for items purchased.
Written by Stephen Stephenson and illustrated by Reggie Brown, The Snowman Code introduces readers to Blessing, a ten-and-a-half-year-old girl, and Albert Framlington, a six-hundred-year-old snowman who lives by the Snowman Code. The Code includes the rule that a snowman must always help a child in need. Set during the longest winter the city has ever experienced, the story follows Blessing as she navigates bullying, months away from school, and a parent struggling deeply during the colder season. When she meets Albert, the two form a friendship that could hold the key to ending the never-ending winter and helping them both face their biggest challenges.
The plot of The Snowman Code balances whimsy and adventure with emotional plotlines. Alongside playful, snowy moments and gentle humor, the novel thoughtfully explores themes of resilience, learning to ask for help, and being there for one another. Albert’s own past and unfinished love story add warmth and heart, while Blessing’s bravery and imagination make her an easy character to root for. Heavy topics are handled with care, making the story understandable for younger readers.
The black-and-white illustrations by Reggie Brown add a lovely sense of realism to The Snowman Code and help bring the winter setting to life. They also thoughtfully reflect the characters as brown, reinforcing representation in a way that feels natural and meaningful.
Overall, this is a sweet, wintry novel that mixes a charming story with real emotional insight. It’s a great choice for young readers and a wonderful conversation starter for families, especially during the colder months.
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