Spirit of the Snowpeople
by Diane Keyes; illustrated by Helen Stevens
Published by Down East
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Reviewed by Connie Anderson
At first read, the Spirit of the Snowpeople seemed like a story about villagers making unique snowmen/women.
Then…you think about it—and think about it.
Written by Diane Keyes and designed and lovingly illustrated by Helen Stevens as a children’s book, Snowpeople is eye catchy with the vivid and detailed illustrations packed with visual entertainment.
And then you think about the message, the real message… .
Snowpeople may be for kids—but it is also for adults who have lost a loved one—and miss then deeply. The Snowpeople (our loved ones) are always remembered and return to us in our memories.
“The snowpeople never really leave us. Things change, but nothing is ever really lost. All of life, including each one of us, is continually changing and renewing itself.”
The book is about celebrating the seasons of life—and the memories we have of those gone from our lives. Those who have left, like the Snowpeople, return to us in many ways—whatever reminds us of them. I have a friend whose daughter died in her early 20s, and she likes to think of her daughter’s spirit in that of eagles—and rejoices at every eagle she sees.
This book is well suited for children and adults as its message is on those two levels. It would be a wonderful gift to yourself and your church or school library so others remember to rejoice in the seasons of life.
Set a place at your next holiday table for your own snowpeople memory—welcome it and rejoice in remembering.
Armchair Interviews says: The combination of the right words and complementary illustrations makes this a must-have book.