If It’s Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws!-Perfect Picture Book Friday

Posted on by Penny Parker Klostermann

I know we are all tired of this incredibly severe winter, but since lots of people are getting lots of snow . . . why not have a little fun with it? Ready?

If it's snowy

If It’s Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws!

Written by Kim Norman

Illustrated by Liza Woodruff

Sterling Children’s Books 2013

Ages 3-7

Themes: Seasons-Winter-Snow, Language Fun

Synopsis: (from publisher’s website) This humorous variation on the classic song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” introduces a group of adorable animals playing joyfully in the snow. They tumble on the tundra, catch snowflakes on their tongues, sculpt snowcritters, and make a frosty fort. But can they go with the flow when their wild adventure drifts in a surprising direction? Young readers will laugh and sing along!

Opening:
If it’s snowy and you know it, clap your paws.
You can tumble on the tundra, just because.
If it snowy and you know it,
roll a snowball up and throw it.
If it’s snowy and you know it  . . .
. . . clap your paws!

♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫ I hear you all singing! ♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

Wait!
What?
You’re going to buy the book?
And you’re going to the library to check it out?
Well could you read the rest of the review before you head out?
Ahhh! You’re back in your chair. Thanks!

Resources:

  • Definitely sing this book to the tune of If You’re Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands. In fact, I dare you to read this book and not be singing the song for the rest of the weekend! (I couldn’t help myself!)
  • Pick another season and have kids pick animals and brainstorm activities those animals could be doing for that season. Create a stanza or two of the song.
  • For those who are feeling especially industrious, I found the link to this Multi-Colored Igloo on the If It’s Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws Facebook Page. I realize building the life-size igloo would probably be too much, but building a small version would be a fun winter project for kids at home in a snowy backyard.
  • Have kids come up with hand motions for each stanza in the book. Sing through with hand motions.

Why I Like This Book: The same reason why y’all were jumping up to go get the book! The rhyme is sublime! It is playful and fun and begs to be read aloud or sung. I was singing and smiling with every page turn. The illustrations complement the text perfectly and add humor. This one is a keeper for reading to your kids at home and for sharing in the classroom. Hat’s, mittens, and earmuffs off to Kim Norman and Liza Woodruff!

To find more perfect picture books, head on over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and check out all the fantastic selections! Each book is reviewed by a picture book -lovin’ reviewer, AND includes activities to go along with the book. You will find a handy list right HERE.

43 thoughts on “If It’s Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws!-Perfect Picture Book Friday”

  1. Pingback: Perfect Picture Book Friday-Puddle Pug | Penny Parker Klostermann

  4. If Ms. Klostermann is awesome, clap your hands! *clap clap*
    If Ms. Klostermann is awesome, clap your hands! *clap clap*
    If Ms. Klostermann is awesome,
    And you really want her to know it,
    Ms. Klostermann is awesome, clap your hands! *thunderous applause*

    Great book choice! 😀

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  9. Super PPBF! I happened to be at the library while this was shared during story hour, and the kids were SO into the song and the story. And as you note, sublime rhyme indeed!

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  11. Adorable! I definitely want to read the entire book to find out about the “surprising direction” of their adventure. Great extension activities, Penny!

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  13. Great! Now I have that song stuck in my head! Just kidding. I have seen this book and it is a perfect picture book. Thanks for reminding me of it.

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  14. Your timing is perfect with the next snow front heading east this weekend. I actually thought this might be and Iza book when I saw the title. It sounds like it is very entertaining and the rhyming lovely.

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  15. This had me singing! With the forecast, I should get this in the house before Monday so maybe I can appreciate the snow.

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  17. I saw the title in the PPB list and KNEW it was from you!! How fun!! Between you and Susanna, my toes are thawed all the way up to my knee bones and continuing upward…I love the sounds of this book and can’t wait to grab it for my grandblessings! The igloo is amazing. I’m a stained glass nut – but I don’t know if my bones are young enough to attempt this! I’ll have to put it on a back burner (oops..) on a shelf for now. 😉

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  21. Oh my lord, just as well I’m reading this at half past midnight on Friday night or should I say Saturday morning, or I would have been out the door like a shot to see if it’s in my local library, and not finished reading your wonderful review. 😉 What a super book. I would get it for a number of reasons which you have mentioned. What fun to read and the illustrations…. SNOW! Beautiful! Off to bed now, library in the morning.

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