Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Robert Frost's Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening with Susan Jeffers's 1978 illustrations plays up a festive family atmosphere. Jeffers warms the snowy b&w scenes by accenting coats, blankets and birds with muted colors. A frosty vellum cover evokes a wintry feel. --From Publishers Weekly
Robert Frost's well-known poem takes on new life in its first picture-book adaptation. The poem--long appreciated for its strong rhythm and evocative images--leaves readers wondering, "Where was the man going on the darkest night of the year?" and "Why on earth did he stop by the woods in a snowstorm?" Artist Susan Jeffers answers these questions visually--the kindly older gentleman who narrates the poem stops his sleigh to feed the forest birds and creatures. He stops once more to visit his daughter and grandchildren, then is off again through a blizzard, with many miles to go before he can sleep. The silent beauty of a snowy night shines through Jeffers's artwork; the man's clothing and blanket are the only bright touches of color in the white and wintry world of the woods. This quiet yet powerful book has a magic all its own. (Ages 4 to 7)
A Gift of Poetry & Beauty
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening is Susan Jeffers' illustrated book of the Robert Frost poem. It is a beautifully illustrated book which can be enjoyed by the parent as a child sits snugly on their lap.
I think it is a book that shows a great deal of respect. It respects the intelligence of the child by introducing beautiful "adult" poetry to the young. Simultaneously it is respectful of the adult reader allowing them to read something which is jointly appealing. This is ideally how an illustrated book should be. It should have appeal to both the reader and the listener and this book is a perfect example of that.
Susan Jeffers illustrations are exquisite. She captures the quiet beauty of the woods on a snowy evening. Animals peak from behind trees and bushes watching the man and his sleigh. There is plenty to be observed by child and parent while reading this book . It will be a thrill to find and name the animals while reading the book. Every page is a work of art.
The illustrations also work to tell a story within a story providing possible explanations for why the man is in the woods on that particular evening. Children will have some fun seeing the kinds of this this old gentleman does when no one is watching.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening is a wonderful wintertime book, but will make an excellent read in any season. What a wonderful gift for an adult to make for a child, a gift of poetry and beauty. --Reviewer: booknblueslady from Woodland, CA United States
