THIS PLACE IN THE SNOW

An overnight snowfall means plenty of outdoor fun for a creative, rambunctious clan of kids in this picture-book tribute to winter and the pleasures of simpler times. Though the flakes have "hatted the houses and capsuled the cars in thick and sticky white," during the night, the kids aren't aware of the storm until they are awakened by the rumbling and rattling of the snowplow in the morning. A mad dash to pull on layers of clothing and down a breakfast of hotcakes precedes their emergence into the fresh winter wonderland. Following some brainstorming, the kids set to work digging, hollowing and shoveling a magnificent snow fort to play in ("They were kings in a kingdom uncovered"). Bond's (When Marcus Moore Moved In ) snowy imagery and imaginative play ideas are spot on, though occasionally her poetic text wears a reverent tone and stiff phrasing that doesn't quite match the kid-like enthusiasm of her characters and subject matter. Her swirling brushstrokes, however, capture both winter's beauty and kids' bright and bouncy exuberance to the fullest. Children sporting a rainbow of woolen wear and snowsuits against a backdrop of an icy blue snow mound make a memorable portrait. Ages 5-up. (Nov.)