The Snowman Code

Description

The Snowman Code

Simon Stephenson, illustrated by Reggie Brown

(HarperCollins)

Despite their best efforts, sometimes Blessing’s mother gets sad. What’s more, it’s not the sort of sad that can be recovered from, but a sadness that needs professional help. It’s at this point that Blessing goes to stay with Miriam and John, while Margaret stays in hospital. It seems the weather affects Margaret’s happiness. She needs sunshine and light, but it’s been Winter for months now, with no sign of Spring. How can Blessing’s discovery in a London code possibly help? Then again, what’s all this about The Snowman Code?

Could it be that a snowman’s movement might alert Blessing to a possible friend? In fact one who’s prepared to help a child like her, despite her being summer born? Then again, what might she give him in return? Maybe a gold medal? Or, even more, the hope that his beloved Clementine might be found in one of the London parks? It will take some searching, maybe the help of the A-Z?

Simon Stephenson suggests a classic with The Snowman Code. In fact, we can hear Blessing and Albert, smell the crunch of the snow and feel the hurt and longing within each of their hearts. Can their friendship, cinema, bus tours and hopes, make a bond that lasts longer than years? Like The Frost Goblin, this wintry book is one to read aloud, one to seek for sustenance and inspiration. It is quite beautiful.