Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Nancy Hatch Woodward once said, “Snow brings a special kind of magic with it.” There’s definitely an aura of magic around Leo, a young boy in Little Leo and the Snowman Surprise by Akshay. One morning, he wakes up excited for the big day ahead of him because there’s a neighborhood snowman competition. He runs out the door and begins building his snowman with help from his loving family: Mama Joy, Papa Dan, and Grandpa. Unfortunately, jealousy starts to take over once some of the children on Rainbow Street realize they don’t like how their own entries turned out. A naughty choice leads to a ruined creation and some very hurt feelings. Will their fun end here, or will kindness ensue?

Little Leo and the Snowman Surprise by Akshay is an enjoyable read. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon while sipping on hot chocolate. The writing is simple and easy for kids to understand. Children will stay engaged and empathize with the characters. As an educator, I appreciated how it highlights an important lesson. I believe this book can be used in classroom conversations about resentment, making amends, and why or how people can pull together when something unfair happens. Activities like having students design their own snowman or write about a time they fixed a problem could be used to extend the story. The illustrations stand out for their playful snowmen and expressive faces, which bring energy and warmth to every page. I can easily see teachers and families enjoying this as a winter read, especially if they like tales about friendship, snow, and friendly competition.