The Snowman: Inspired by the Original Story by Raymond Briggs

When I saw this book, I thought there must be a mistake, how can you write a story to this beautiful, timeless, classic, wordless book. I should not have been worried, Michael Morpurgo has never disappointed before and he did not this time. I loved that he got permission from Raymond Briggs before writing this novella. This is a delightful book, drawing on Raymond Briggs' wonderful illustrated, wordless story, The Snowman. Using some inspiration from the Channel 4 movie, and adding some bits and pieces from his own creative mind, we have a wonderful story, both familiar and with some new bits. With Grandma visiting and getting to experience the magic of Christmas with the Snowman, it makes this a family story, with Christmas customs.James, a child with a stammer who might be lonely and ostracized by classmates is sadly all too real. His new friendship with The Snowman and his family and friends, help him overcome his stammer and find his words. When he is accepted as he is, he develops confidence to develop fluency and overcome. Even though the illustrations are black and white, they bring the essence of the original story with them. At the end of the story, there was a section about Christmas traditions around the world as well as the art of snowman building. This will be a great story for families to read together during the Advent Season. Watching the movie and sharing the Raymond Briggs story will all make this a truly wonderful experience and family Christmas Custom. The publisher, Puffin, generously provided me with a copy to read upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

I’ve always enjoyed The Snowman and this story version was beautifully written and timeless. Richard’s voice is mesmerizing.

Loved it!

Michael Morpurgo is a literary genius so I couldn't wait to see what he would produce when I saw he was writing his own take on Raymond Briggs' classic.Morpurgo manages to stay true to the film version (which in itself deviated slightly from Briggs' original but managed to become a classic in its own right) whilst still making it his own. I feel this version will rightly become a classic too in years to come.The added detail of young James' speech impediment, and the addition his of Grandma experiencing the magic of the snowman with him enhance the plot and give it extra charm.I cannot wait to share this with my class the week before the Christmas holidays. It's the perfect anticipation builder during what is already a very magical time for children.

Have always loved The Snowman, from when I was a child, all the way up to the ripe old age of 31!!! I was excited to see this had been written by one of my favourite authors, yet I was a bit apprehensive that it was going to take the “magic” out of the original story!! How wrong I was!!!!!!! It is beautifully written, I read it in under two hours because I was glued to it!! Recaptured the beauty of the film, with a few extras which just make it even better!! You definitely have to read it, and share it with everyone you know!!!

I was very sceptical of a re-telling of the snowman and I see the author himself, Michael Morpurgo was too. However, I am very glad he did. Its a fantastic story in its own right but gracefully updates the original for a modern audience. My two boys loved it from the first reading and we spent most of December re-reading it at almost every bedtime. A must whether it's Christmas or not. Another fantastic, well written story from a great author.

Given as gifts to two different families this Christmas. The picture book is deservedly a classic and I think this will be too. Well- written accessible prose. Delightfully produced with original drawings added to the text. Can Michael Morpurgo do no wrong?

The illustrations in this book are wonderful, and the story is great, however, the dust jacket to this is so thin. Normally I'm very careful with my books, however it took just a second for the dust jacket to rip. It's such a shame! Would have preferred it if they had a thicker dust jacket.