Frosty the Snowman

by Steve Nelson, Jack Rollins, Wade Zahares (Illustrator), Kenny Loggins (Performed by)

Overview

A unique offering of a book and CD recorded by Kenny Loggins, one of the most magical of all wintertime songs gets an enchanting interpretation—including a special recording by the incomparable Kenny Loggins—in this charming new picture book.

First recorded over sixty years ago, "Frosty the Snowman" became an instant holiday classic, winning children’s hearts and inspiring both an animated film and a long-running television special. Singers such as Gene Autry (the first), the Ronettes, Willie Nelson, and even the Chipmunks have recorded this simple-but-joyful tale of a snowman—with a corncob pipe and a button nose—who comes to life when a magical top hat is put on his head. To everyone’s delight, Frosty laughs, runs, and plays. And even though he melts away once the sun comes out, the song still ends happily, with Frosty waving good-bye and assuring his young friends not to cry because "I’ll be back again some day."

Featuring spectacular art by Wade Zahares, whose WINDOW MUSIC was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, and a CD, with the title song and two others—"Cyndi" and "Fishin Blues"—from Kenny Loggins, this sparkling picture book will captivate young readers. It’s the perfect gift for under the tree or a stocking—and wonderful for parents and children to share on a chilly winter’s night. Just pop in the CD, curl up under a blanket, look at the pictures with their bright holiday colors, and the story will work its wonder.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781623540128
Publisher:	Charlesbridge
Publication date:	11/01/2013
Pages:	28
Sales rank:	432,816
Product dimensions:	10.70(w) x 11.80(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	AD770L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, twelve have gone platinum. He has won two Grammy® Awards for his singing and songwriting, and co-wrote the book, THE UNIMAGINABLE LIFE: LESSONS LEARNED ON THE PATH OF LOVE. His songs have been hits over the last four decades. Who can forget This is It, I’m Alright, Footloose, Danger Zone, Conviction of the Heart, and It’s About Time. In addition to his string of successful recordings, both solo and as a member of the famed duo, Loggins & Messina, Kenny became the first major rock star to dedicate himself to recording music for children and families. His album, Return to Pooh Corner, remains the best-selling children’s album of the last twenty years. Kenny, who reunited with Jim Messina in 2009, currently resides in Santa Barbara with his youngest children.

Editorial Reviews

09/16/2013
“Thumpety thump thump,/ Thumpety thump thump,” readers watch the famous snowman come to life and glide over snow-covered hills and through a busy town square in Zahares’s smudgy, folk art–flavored artwork. Children joyfully outfit their frozen friend with the requisite button nose, corncob pipe and magic hat, in scenes whose icy blue snowscapes are punctuated with bright reds, yellows, and greens before Frosty takes his tear-filled leave into a glowing orange sunset. An accompanying CD features musician Kenny Loggins performing the title track as well as two original, non-holiday songs. Ages 4–up. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

2013-09-01
"Thumpety thump thump, look at Frosty go!" He's come back to life again with an edgy, 21st-century vibe in this updated picture-book version of the beloved children's song that has been popular for over half a century and has become indelibly associated with Christmas. Previous illustrated versions of the song featured an old-fashioned, jolly snowman and sweet, 1950s-era children. With this new interpretation, Zahares creates a striking, moody atmosphere in his arresting pastel illustrations. The views of Frosty dancing around the village feature deep, saturated colors, bold shapes and a pervasive blue haze of shadows against the snow. Zahares has invented a completely different Frosty, with huge red buttons, long, wooden arms and diamond-shaped eyes that seem menacing rather than friendly. Although the snowman is described in the lyrics as "alive as he could be," this Frosty seems rather like a robot--quite possibly a scary, 10-foot-tall robot that might whack you with his huge broom. Nevertheless, the multiethnic child characters, extra-large trim size and vibrant illustrations in double-page-spread format make this a natural choice for reading or singing with a stouthearted group. A CD of the song, as recorded by Kenny Loggins, is included with the book. Most will find this newfangled Frosty a fine fellow, but a few sensitive readers may find him more of a nightmare than a fairy tale come to life. (performer's note, artist's note) (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews

PreS-Gr 2—Zahares reimagines this classic song with page after page of jewel-toned art done in pastels. The smiling snowman comes to life and plays with the children who created him. Icy winter scenes contrast deep blues with houses of bright red, orange, and green, surrounded by seasonal details-falling snowflakes, boot-kicked snow piles, lighted windows, steaming mugs in gloved hands, and smoke swirls from chimneys. Followed by a performer's note and an artist's note, the book also includes artist Kenny Loggins's recording of the title song with the bonus of two additional tunes. "Frosty" has a warm, rhythmic country lilt with guitar and the voices of a children's choir. Although numbered incorrectly on the CD, it's easy to distinguish between the traditional "Fishin' Blues" with harmonica and narrative verse and the foot-stomping "Cyndi." This is a brightly inviting edition to add to collections of earlier versions as it contains the perfect audio accompaniment.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

School Library Journal