A little girl and her puppy go on an adventure in the adorable picture book, Samba on a Snowy Day by Paul Yanuziello. Ariela is a little girl with a big fluffy puppy, Samba. Samba is a Bernese Mountain Dog with an appreciation for adventure. Ariela must prepare Samba for a walk; it will be Samba's first time out in the snow. But before they can even go outside, Ariela has to find a few important items for their walk; two large potatoes, Samba's harness, his saddle, and his leash. After all, Ariela is a very responsible pet parent. She tries to train Samba to the best of her abilities. When Ariela and Samba go outside to explore the novelty of the deep snow, Samba gets so excited that he takes Ariela for a run. Suddenly alone with Samba in the forest, will Ariela be able to get Samba to come with her? Will they be able to find their way back home?

Samba on a Snowy Day by Paul Yanuziello is a charming story with amusing illustrations and engaging characters. Having gifted my four-year-old with a mastiff, I can relate to Ariela's experiences with Samba's exuberance. When Samba pulled Ariela through the snow, I had to laugh, as I have rescued my little boy from the same plight countless times in the past. Ariela's solution to her predicament of a stubbornly resistant dog was quite realistic. This is the perfect read for children thinking of, or already owning a larger dog. I found it to be a delightful adventure for younger readers ages 3-6. I enjoyed this book and hope to read more Samba stories in the future.

Samba on a Snowy Day is a children’s animal picture book written by Paul Yanuziello and illustrated by Joshua Miller. Ten-year-old Ariela, who moved from Rio de Janeiro to Canada when she was a baby, and her four-month-old Bernese Mountain puppy, Samba, love going out and playing in the snow. When they looked out the window that morning and saw the sun gleaming on freshly fallen snow, they both wanted to go out and have an adventure. After Ariela got herself dressed to go outdoors, she put Samba’s harness, saddlebags, and leash on him and inserted a large potato in each compartment of his saddlebags to help him learn how to carry supplies when he’s grown up. Then they were off to explore the forest.

Paul Yanuziello’s Samba on a Snowy Day follows a 10-year-old girl and her puppy as they explore the snowy wonderland outside their front door. I loved how the author paired a young girl from Brazil with a Swiss puppy in surroundings far from their original homes for both of them. He also shows, through Ariela’s interactions with Samba, how to work with a young dog. Ariela never pulls at her puppy or gets impatient. She uses treats to keep him motivated and eager to learn, to listen to her, and obey her commands. Joshua Miller’s illustrations bring that winter wonderland to life brilliantly. Each panel brims with details and almost seems to be frosting over as you examine it. An excellent choice for storytime, this is a great way to introduce young readers who are soon to adopt a new pet to puppy care and training. Seeing how much Ariela and Samba love each other and have grand adventures outdoors together will speak volumes to young readers. Samba on a Snowy Day is most highly recommended.

Samba is a Bernese mountain dog. Well, he’s actually a puppy, but he’s already a big dog, full of energy, too. Ariela is a little girl from Brazil, now living in Canada. She and Samba were eyeing the snow outside, excited at the prospect of going out to play. Ariela puts on her snowsuit, only to realize it’s difficult to bend over to harness Samba, who just wants to play with her dangling mittens. They finally exit the house and enjoy time playing in the snow, exploring the nearby forest and sliding down snowy hills. It’s a fun day, but Samba, still a puppy, decides he’s tired and flops down. Fortunately, Ariela has some treats to bribe him to follow her home. Even as a puppy, Samba is much too big for Ariela to carry.

Paul Yanuziello’s picture book story, Samba on a Snowy Day, is a sweet, rambling story about the snowy adventures surrounding a little girl and her Bernese puppy. While the plot includes a romp in the snow, it also educates the young reader on Bernese dogs, how to train them, how big they are, etc. And the story is careful to point out some safety concerns and that it’s important to return home before it gets dark. The young reader also learns a Portuguese phrase, “quer comer” which means “want to eat”. And Samba, the Bernese puppy, knows its meaning: food. The story is colorfully illustrated, the illustrations helping to carry the story along. The language is simple, appropriate for a young reader. A fun read.

Samba on a Snowy Day by Paul Yanuziello is a 36-page children’s story about Samba, a Bernese mountain dog, and his best friend Ariela. This is their first snowy adventure together out in the snow-filled lands of Canada. The puppy is more than excited to go outside, but this rush of dog energy is something new to Ariela and, at first, she has to quickly adjust to keep up with him. They hike up and down hills and into the woods, enjoying the great outdoors. Ariela has to learn how to coax Samba to come back home with her at the end of the day.

The story was cute and endearing, describing the developing bond between a girl and her new dog. Throughout their adventure, they are never parted but go through all the hardships together. The artwork is colorful and detailed nicely, adding to the richness and humor of the story. The snow-filled landscapes are richly filled-out, giving the feel of a real workout. The message to me, of course, is mainly about a girl and her dog getting to know one another.

In new relationships with animals, there are often those testing times to see how well both parties are going to get along. Fortunately, Ariela is very patient and kind with Samba, even when Samba doesn’t want to go with her. Instead, she drops the leash and brings out the snack, defusing a stressful situation. I recommend Samba on a Snowy Day by Paul Yanuziello especially to children who are learning to build positive relationships with new pets.

As a mother, daughter and lover of all things fun, creative, and pleasurable this is an enchanting and enjoyable story to cozy up and read. There is much to be gained from this "story". Paul is a brilliant truth teller because I can tell you first hand he has figured out and found his purpose and voice in being able to create colourful books that support and are a resource for caregivers and teachers of all ages and cultures. This book allows you to bridge gaps in understanding and communicate and teach youngsters in a language that meets them where they are at and does not frustrate them. They learn and laugh through playing and imagining, listening and exploring the adventure that truly lies in nature and the world. Science, memories, family, connection, spirit, friendship, and unconditional love, patience, support, kindness, compassion and respect. You are empowering yourself and your readers/listeners all while makingan actual dad/nonno and family man along with his loved ones feel supported and appreciated. An actual family happy dances with joy and creative pride without ego just pure worth and confidence that they rightfully deserve.