The Snowball Fight

In this beat-by-beat snow-day tale from frequent collaborators Ferry and Lichtenheld (A Moving Story), most of the action unfolds along a single plane in a yard between two homes, rendered in digitally finished pencil and watercolor illustrations. After a heavy overnight snowfall, only the edges of each house are visible—their architectural features transformed into solid white shapes against a pale-blue winter sky. It’s a classic stage setting, and stepping into the spotlight are two bundled-up children, each portrayed with brown skin, who interrupt the “peaceful, calm, serene” vibe with gleeful snow-day whoops. After the kids each build a snow fort on either side of the book’s getter, an epic snowball fight begins, the typography mixing with the artillery: “Snowballs fly/ and snowballs soar./ Blitz!/ Bombard!/ Barrage!/ And score!” But eventually arms grow tired, hands freeze, and noses turn bright red; when wind dumps roof snow onto one fort—just after its defender escapes—the children turn to collaborative activities, instead. It is, indeed, an epic snow day—no school, no rules, enemies-to-friends hijinks, and pure crystallized joy. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Heirloom Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Amy Rennert, Amy Rennert Agency. (Nov.)