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Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Footprints in the Snow by Alison Bellringer is a children’s adventure that follows a boy named Mack and his friend, Katrina. They decide to take a shortcut through the forest after leaving a friend’s party. What a big mistake. They encounter a mountain lion that quickly turns into a dangerous chase. Both manage to get away, but Mack is injured. His mother, Mrs. Owens, fusses as she wraps his bandage. She is also half-listening to his story about what happened because she is focused on receiving their guests. As time passes and life goes back to normal, the encounter seems to linger in the background. When the next snowfall comes, Mack and Katrina are playing outside when they notice bloody tracks. They follow them into the forest, where they make a startling discovery. But their discovery will require careful thinking, courage, and the right decision.
Alison Bellringer has crafted a story of curiosity and bravery. I appreciated the simple and direct writing style. The pacing balanced the tension with lighter moments. For example, the encounter with the mountain lion balanced well with scenes of daily life around family and friends. Mack’s and Katrina’s characters were convincing. Mack seemed to jump to decisions without thinking about the dangers or consequences. Katrina balanced him by often questioning his decisions and curiosity. I loved how the author built up suspense and emotions throughout the story. The narrative also carried a simple message about making thoughtful choices. Young readers who enjoyed Rosanne Parry’s A Wolf Called Wander would love Footprints in the Snow. It had elements of adventure but also focused on survival in a natural setting.
