Just One Flake
Review posted November 6, 2023.
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2023. 48 pages.
Review written October 25, 2023, from a library book.
Starred Review
2023 Sonderbooks Stand-out:
#6 Picture Books
First, full disclosure: Travis Jonker is a librarian friend of mine. First, beginning many years ago, I read his 100 Scope Notes blog. Then I got to serve on an ALSC committee with him, which gave me an excuse to say Hello at conferences. I'm happy about his new success as an author, and this book marks his debut as an illustrator as well.
Just One Flake is a simple story of a kid trying to catch one snowflake on his tongue.
I grew up in California -- but I still remember trying to do this when I was a 4-year-old -- the last year I lived where it snowed (before moving away from California as a young adult). I failed to catch a snowflake on my tongue because it's just not as easy as it looks.
This book takes that common childhood aspiration, and gets us rooting for little Liam with all the things he tries.
And what more is there to say? He tries, and tries again, thwarted over and over again, with ultimate success -- and it just makes for a wonderful winter romp. A sure storytime hit, too.
And one of my favorite things is this line on the copyright page:
Case art by Tom Angleberger, Stephen Barbara, Cece Bell, Betsy Bird, Lauren Castillo, Carter Higgins, Allison Jonker, Colin Jonker, Lina Jonker, Supriya Kelkar, Laurie Keller Minh Lê, Donalyn Miller, James Preller, John Schu, Colby Sharp, Bob Shea, Philip Stead, and Erin Stead. This book wouldn't exist without all of you. Thank you.
So I checked the case art -- the cover of the book underneath the paper cover, and it's covered with pictures of paper snowflakes! So yes, you can finish your winter storytime with this book by all making paper snowflakes. And sharing snowflakes with friends, as the author did.
This book is one of a kind. Like a snowflake.