Gr. 1-4. George and Minor use the setting of snowboarding season for a lesson in physical science, showing the effect of snowfall in the Teton Mountains: how the layers of new and old snow interact, and how avalanches are made, and how they can be predicted and directed. There is a story here, too, and the cast includes young Axel; his dog, Grits; his father, Dag, who is a snow patrol officer; and Kelly, Axel's snowboarding rival. Axel puts Kelly in danger by not listening to the snow-warning sights and sounds, but Grits helps rescue her. Apparently none the worse for their close call, children, dog, and father go off to snowboard down the mountain. Minor's natural style and his clear rich colors--the blues, greens, and icy whites of the Tetons-- are the right accompaniment, and Grits is as cute as critters come.
GraceAnne DeCandidoCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4–Axel, who lives in the Teton Mountains, wants to go snowboarding after a fresh snow. The boy, his father, and Grits the dog head up to Glory Bowl to check the conditions and determine if it is safe. They meet Kelly, the captain of the school snowboarding team, and the youngsters begin to show off their moves. When a bird sets off an avalanche below them, it is up to Grits to cut her off from the danger. Minor's realistic illustrations are packed with action. Bright colors and varying textures depict the crisp outdoor setting. More confident readers will enjoy this well-written story independently. Featuring a popular sport, it also makes a strong addition to picture-book collections.
–Rebecca Luhman, Greece Central School District, Rochester, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.