Snow and Ice: Canadian Winter Weather

Alice Kidd is an editor with The New Catalyst editorial collective in
Lillooet, B.C.

Snow and Ice provides an excellent summary of all things related to
winter weather in Canada for young readers. Nicole Mortillaro engages
readers with the initial question: “What does it mean to you?” Cold,
wet, dark time, or play time? She continues by providing a good
foundation in climate—the movement of the earth, the seasons, and the
relationship between water, land, and air, with particular reference to
weather in different regions of Canada. She then tackles different types
of weather in the chapters “Snow and Rain,” “Ice Storms,” and
“Blizzards.” Northern Lights and various sun displays give us a
brief break in “Winter Wonders,” before returning to “Extreme
Weather.” A brief glossary explains seven key words and phrases, which
appear in bold type the first time they appear in the text.

The text is easy to read and understand. Most chapters have useful
sidebars on weather facts, self-care (e.g., tips on keeping warm and
safe), and other key topics. Colour photos and diagrams (many with
captions) add further information with details or images. Each chapter
being printed on a different pastel paper, with sidebars in bright
yellows and tans is particularly effective. This not only maintains the
mood of winter weather, but also makes it easier to find specific topics
in the book. Highly recommended.