[Review Copy Courtesy of Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books]

In this enchantingly illustrated and uplifting story, we cheer for a small snowplow as he goes out in a big snow storm and surmounts even bigger challenges. Expert storytelling combined with a perfect blend of retro and modern illustrations makes Small Walt a win for young fans of snowplows everywhere.

Where to Get Small Walt:

[Affiliate Link]: Amazon.com

[Local Bookstore]: Addendum Books

[Public Library]: Worldcat.org

Small Walt, with his sweet smile, kind eyes, and expressive eyebrows, may be the smallest of the snowplows, but his resolve and work ethic is as immense as the mightiest you’ve ever known. He just needs a chance to prove it.

During one storm, the other snowplow drivers refuse to drive him because they just don’t think he can handle it. He’s heartbroken, we’re heartbroken — but there’s not much anyone can do about it — so he waits.

But then Gus comes along and says he’ll drive Walt and starts him up. After running through all the checks, Gus declares that Walt is, “Good to go.”

From Small Walt by Author Elizabeth Verdick and Artist Marc Rosenthal. © 2017 Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books. Image courtesy of Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books.

Walt knows what he has to do and sets off with Gus. They clear the bridges and the ramps. They clear the snow and spreads salt on the roads. And all the while Walt says to himself, “My name is Walt. I plow and I salt. I clear the snow so the cars can go!”

It’s a pretty serious blizzard, but that doesn’t deter Walt and Gus. He keeps going and going. Chanting to himself in various verses that he is capable. It’s looking like he’s going to be just fine — until they get to a very, very steep hill. Gus isn’t so sure they can do this and contemplates letting a larger snow plow do this instead. Walt will have none of this, though. He knows he can plow this hill.

From Small Walt by Author Elizabeth Verdick and Artist Marc Rosenthal. © 2017 Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books. Image courtesy of Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books.

Secretly we’re not so sure if Walt can do it, especially when he starts to slide back down.

Fortunately, Small Walt is all about resolve and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. So they keep chugging along and take those highly precarious moments in stride. Gus is proud, the larger snowplows are proud, and Small Walt knows that that with a healthy amount of determination and good guidance, he can do what he needs to do.

From Small Walt by Author Elizabeth Verdick and Artist Marc Rosenthal. © 2017 Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books. Image courtesy of Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books.

My boys (three and seven) are completely enamored with Small Walt. They love how he’s small, they love how other people tell him that he’s too little but he proves them all wrong, and they especially love that Walt tells himself that he can do it! They think the idea of being a snow fighter is the best one ever and they have a great time adding their own sounds to the story.

Small Walt is a perfectly suspenseful and daring picture book with a satisfying ending that shows the importance of self-confidence, determination, and bravery to all its readers. It speaks to kids in that enchanting way only an excellent picture book about big vehicles can.

You’ll find this book is enthusiastically requested for you to read over and over and over again; and with its onomatopoeia, gentle verses, and charming illustrations, you’ll be more than happy to oblige. I dare say adults will enjoy reading this story aloud as much as the kids will enjoy hearing it.

Recommended Ages 4 to 8. Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books. October 2017. 40 pages. ISBN: 978-1481448451 Fiction.

Author and Artist Websites:

• [Author]: Elizabeth Verdick
• [Artist]: Marc Rosenthal

More Reviews:

• Publishers Weekly
• Kirkus Reviews
• Project Muse

Where Obtained:  I received a review copy from the publisher. No other compensation was received.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

FTC Disclosures:  Some of the links in the post above are Amazon affiliate links and others are IndieBound affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase something, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Which goes to fund my family’s picture book habit.  It’s a vicious cycle, but we manage.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”