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Raymond Briggs
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The Snowman: A Classic Children's Book Hardcover – Picture Book, November 12, 1978

by Raymond Briggs (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 2,381 ratings
Illus. in full color. A wordless story. The pictures have "the hazy softness of air in snow. A little boy rushes out into the wintry day to build a snowman, which comes alive in his dreams that night. The experience is one that neither he nor young 'readers' will ever regret or forget."--(starred) Booklist.  
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  1. Reading age
    1 - 4 years, from customers
  2. Part of series
    The Snowman
  3. Print length
    32 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 3
  6. Lexile measure
    NP
  7. Dimensions
    8.61 x 0.31 x 11.88 inches
  8. Publisher
    Random House Books for Young Readers
  9. Publication date
    November 12, 1978
  10. ISBN-10
    0394839730
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0394839738
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The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Who needs words to tell a story? In Raymond Briggs's charming tale, told with 175 softly hued, artfully composed frames, a little boy makes friends with a snowman. He wakes up on a snowy day, tells his mother he's going outside, then begins a flurry of snowman-building. That night, he can't sleep, so he opens the front door and lo! the snowman has come to life. The amiable yet frosty fellow enjoys his tour of the boy's cozy home; he admires the cat, but is disturbed by the fire. The boy shows him other wonders--the TV and a lamp and running water. Predictably perhaps, he is disturbed by the stove, but likes ice cubes quite a bit. Soon it is the snowman's turn to introduce the boy to his wintry world. They join hands, rise up into the blizzardy air--presumably over Russia and into the Middle East--and then safely back to home sweet home. The boy pops into bed before his parents get up... but when he wakes up the next morning he races outside only to find his new buddy's melted remains, scattered with a few forlorn lumps of coal. Since the book is wordless, you can make up any ending you want... like "Then, in a puff of pink smoke, the snowman recomposed himself and went to live in the boy's garage freezer." Or you could just resign yourself to a peaceful "And that was that." Raymond Briggs's The Snowman won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and this wintertime classic continues to win the hearts of kids every year. (Preschool and older) --Karin Snelson

From the Inside Flap

Illus. in full color. A wordless story. The pictures have "the hazy softness of air in snow. A little boy rushes out into the wintry day to build a snowman, which comes alive in his dreams that night. The experience is one that neither he nor young 'readers' will ever regret or forget."--(starred) Booklist.  

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House Books for Young Readers; First Edition (November 12, 1978)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0394839730
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0394839738
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 1 - 4 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ NP
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.61 x 0.31 x 11.88 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 2,381 ratings

About the author

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Raymond Briggs

Raymond Briggs

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Raymond Redvers Briggs (born 18 January 1934) is an English illustrator, cartoonist, graphic novelist and author who has achieved critical and popular success among adults and children. He is best known in Britain for his story The Snowman, a book without words whose cartoon adaptation is televised and whose musical adaptation is staged every Christmas.

Briggs won the 1966 and 1973 Kate Greenaway Medals from the British Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject. For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005), a panel named Father Christmas (1973) one of the top-ten winning works, which composed the ballot for a public election of the nation's favourite.

For his contribution as a children's illustrator Briggs was a runner-up for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1984.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
2,381 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book's story captures hearts and is perfect for all ages, with beautiful illustrations and no text, making it a wonderful way to read to young children. Customers praise the music as sweet as the movie, and the video is considered a classic. The book serves as a great gift, and one customer notes it's entertaining for 16-month-olds.

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74 customers mention "Story quality"65 positive9 negative

Customers love the story of this children's book, describing it as magical and cute for preschoolers, with one customer noting how it helps encourage creative storytelling.

"...The story is wordless, so non-readers can tell the story of this brief but unforgettable friendship in their own words...." Read more

"...The illustrations are unmatched and it makes for such a magical, nostalgic winter tale for kids of all ages to enjoy. We love it!" Read more

"Great story, I like that my little one can learn to read along with a movie he loves. The only downside was with the quality of the book...." Read more

"Truly a magical book that tells a story that everyone should remember in their every day lives: cherish the moments as they are short and you might..." Read more

56 customers mention "Visual quality"54 positive2 negative

Customers praise the book's illustrations, describing them as beautiful and serene, with one customer noting they are rendered in vivid colored pencil.

"...Soothing, restful, and happily beautiful artwork, sweet story line with a charming little boy...." Read more

"Beautiful illustrated book." Read more

"It is just as magical as the show. The illustrations are unmatched and it makes for such a magical, nostalgic winter tale for kids of all ages to..." Read more

"...The AMAZING thing about this beautiful book are its illustrations and and the fact that there are no words, only the words the reader chooses to say..." Read more

45 customers mention "Word count"34 positive11 negative

Customers appreciate that the book is wordless, making it a wonderful way to read to young children.

"...beautiful book are its illustrations and and the fact that there are no words, only the words the reader chooses to say while looking at the pictures..." Read more

"...It can be read individually, but its true value comes when you share it with someone and discuss the symbolism of the story...." Read more

"...I was especially excited for my granddaughter to enjoy the cd narration...." Read more

"I love, loooove this movie! This book is great, even with no words...." Read more

25 customers mention "Age range"25 positive0 negative

Customers find this book suitable for children of all ages, with one customer noting it's appropriate for early reading instruction.

"...restful, and happily beautiful artwork, sweet story line with a charming little boy...." Read more

"...It's perfect for beginner readers who can make their own story or adults who read to littles." Read more

"...No text, so any age may enjoy the story." Read more

"...The Snowman is a MUST for everyone: young and old!" Read more

12 customers mention "Storyline"12 positive0 negative

Customers love the story of the Snowman, with one customer particularly appreciating its action sequences that bring the character to life.

"My son loves this book! He loves the snowman’s silly antics, like squeezing all the soap, flipping light switches, and unraveling paper towels...." Read more

"...That scene is not in the book. The Snowman is a MUST for everyone: young and old!" Read more

"The Snowman is a masterwork. Without a single word of text, Raymond Briggs tells a compelling and beautiful story...." Read more

"I love the snowman and would like to see the other editions of this book as in the board book format, the pictures are very small and for very young..." Read more

8 customers mention "Music quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the music quality of the book, describing it as beautiful and sweet as the movie adaptation.

"...Yes, the concept is lovely and sweet and there is something magical about the idea of a snowman coming to life...." Read more

"...this would do well to look up the video version which has a very charming musical score." Read more

"...the attention of little children, even with no words, just a great audio track. this book is terrific... every family should have this book." Read more

"This features beautiful animation and music without the clutter of words...." Read more

5 customers mention "Gift value"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book makes a great gift, with one mentioning it's a good donation to school libraries.

"Great gift!" Read more

"Another book for Christmas. We loved it. We made an advent calendar with books. This was affordable and easy to read" Read more

"nice gift for a family" Read more

"great donation to the school. excellent condition" Read more

5 customers mention "Video quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the video quality positive, with one mentioning that it holds the attention of little children.

"...The CD is great. The video is great." Read more

"...touching and sweet great book and the video holds the attention of little children, even with no words, just a great audio track...." Read more

"...It is less than an hour long so it is a nice video to enjoy while settling the kids in for the night." Read more

"...Delightful for children 2-6. The movie/video is just fantastic and touching. If u can get it, do so!!" Read more

We love the artwork in this beautiful book!
5 out of 5 stars
We love the artwork in this beautiful book!
First, we loved the "original" video version of this story. Now we also love the book version! The kids used to watch the video, back in the days of VHS! They used to request it when not feeling well, resting on the couch.... till it became a family tradition. Now, the grand children have the DVD format to enjoy, with similar soothing experience. Highly recommend getting the DVD with this book. Soothing, restful, and happily beautiful artwork, sweet story line with a charming little boy. Exceptional quality (memorized) music from the video plays in our heads when we look through this book. The story is wordless, so non-readers can tell the story of this brief but unforgettable friendship in their own words. Images are like screen shots from the video, in more than 175 picture frames. Glad to find this, matching the original video rather than the updated video version.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Elizabeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars We love the artwork in this beautiful book!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    First, we loved the "original" video version of this story. Now we also love the book version!

    The kids used to watch the video, back in the days of VHS! They used to request it when not feeling well, resting on the couch.... till it became a family tradition. Now, the grand children have the DVD format to enjoy, with similar soothing experience. Highly recommend getting the DVD with this book.

    Soothing, restful, and happily beautiful artwork, sweet story line with a charming little boy. Exceptional quality (memorized) music from the video plays in our heads when we look through this book.

    The story is wordless, so non-readers can tell the story of this brief but unforgettable friendship in their own words. Images are like screen shots from the video, in more than 175 picture frames.

    Glad to find this, matching the original video rather than the updated video version.
    Customer image
    Elizabeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    We love the artwork in this beautiful book!

    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022
    First, we loved the "original" video version of this story. Now we also love the book version!

    The kids used to watch the video, back in the days of VHS! They used to request it when not feeling well, resting on the couch.... till it became a family tradition. Now, the grand children have the DVD format to enjoy, with similar soothing experience. Highly recommend getting the DVD with this book.

    Soothing, restful, and happily beautiful artwork, sweet story line with a charming little boy. Exceptional quality (memorized) music from the video plays in our heads when we look through this book.

    The story is wordless, so non-readers can tell the story of this brief but unforgettable friendship in their own words. Images are like screen shots from the video, in more than 175 picture frames.

    Glad to find this, matching the original video rather than the updated video version.
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer image
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Kelli Kedigh
    5.0 out of 5 stars For older child
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Beautiful illustrated book.
    Helpful
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  • Maggie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Illustrated!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It is just as magical as the show. The illustrations are unmatched and it makes for such a magical, nostalgic winter tale for kids of all ages to enjoy. We love it!
    Customer image
    Maggie
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Beautifully Illustrated!

    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
    It is just as magical as the show. The illustrations are unmatched and it makes for such a magical, nostalgic winter tale for kids of all ages to enjoy. We love it!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Lisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for young readers
    Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I ordered this book when I read that the author/ illustrator had passed away that day. The AMAZING thing about this beautiful book are its illustrations and and the fact that there are no words, only the words the reader chooses to say while looking at the pictures. It's perfect for beginner readers who can make their own story or adults who read to littles.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Dbl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mom loved it!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The Snowman is one of my mom’s favorite stories. So I got this for her birthday and she loved it! Great kids books.
    Helpful
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  • lynn Hall
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Lovely book but didn’t realise it was just illustrations
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kate Maidelis
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great story, poor book quality
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great story, I like that my little one can learn to read along with a movie he loves. The only downside was with the quality of the book. I ordered "new" and it was worn in places and had a bent cover. Kind of a bummer.
    Helpful
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  • Ismo Hujanen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Recommended Read to Everyone
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Truly a magical book that tells a story that everyone should remember in their every day lives: cherish the moments as they are short and you might miss them if you don't pay attention and appreciate them. In other words, live life to its fullest and enjoy the company of those you love as you never know what tomorrow brings, or what it takes.

    I would recommend this book to readers of all ages and cultures. It can be read individually, but its true value comes when you share it with someone and discuss the symbolism of the story.

    Also, great service by the third party seller: fast delivery and product as described.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Dionysia Galenianou
    5.0 out of 5 stars As described
    Reviewed in Germany on January 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Beautiful work wonderful story
    Report
  • Susan Hathiramani
    5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable quality! 👌
    Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The package arrived in great shape. The story and illustrations are timeless. The CD was great!
    Report
  • الهياس
    5.0 out of 5 stars ممتاز
    Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on July 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    قصة جميلة للاطفال
    Report
  • Boite a Malices
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un classique de BD pour tout-petits sans texte
    Reviewed in France on September 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Un livre que j'adore.
    C'est bande-dessinée sans texte, ce qui permet aux familles multicuturelles et multilingues d'avoir au moins un support de "lecture" a partager avec les tout-petits quelle que soit la langue du parent qui partage ce moment avec l'enfant, puisqu'il commente l'histoire et y ajoute son talent de conteur, son vécu, sa personalité. L'enfant demande souvent à tous les adultes de le lire puisque chacun y apporte quelque chose de différent.

    C'est aussi un grand classique anglo-saxon, une belle histoire poétique de petit garcon qui partage une nuit avec un bonhomme de neige, des dessins tout en douceur.

    Cet exemplaire est de taille "BD" mais avec une couverture souple, et très beau papier.

    Mes soeurs, cousins, neveux et nièces l'ont tous adoré en leur temps ou l'adorent encore. C'est pourquoi j'en ai racheté un, afin de le faire découvrir aux nouveaux petits de la famille.
    Report
  • PABLO SINDIN
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un gran libro par regalar
    Reviewed in Spain on January 11, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Muy buen libro, no tiene texto pero las ilustraciones son buenísimas. A mi hija le encanto. Encantados con la compra.
    Report