Snowman Paul Returns to the Winter Olympics is a children’s action and adventure picture book written by Yossi Lapid and illustrated by Joanna Pasek. Paul got awfully excited when he opened his letter from the Winter Olympics Committee. They actually wanted him to be a referee in the upcoming games! Dan and the rest of his friends were thrilled for him, but soon were a bit dismayed to see the changes that were taking place in their normally happy and convivial friend. Paul seemed to be getting more and more overwhelmed by the amount of material he would have to master for his new role. There were rules on bobsledding, skating, luge and ice hockey, and there was a bulky book, entitled The Referee Handbook, that he had to become familiar with. And Paul needed to get supplies for his job: a referee cap, whistle and badge. Paul just didn’t seem to have time to play anymore. While his pals continued playing and having fun, he’d just practice being a referee. One day, however, Dan saw Paul peeking as they were all playing hide and seek, and soon Paul wanted nothing more than to be playing with Dan and the rest of the kids again. He didn’t even want to be a referee anymore, but Dan wanted to make sure his pal didn’t give up on his chance to be part of the Olympics once again.

Yossi Lapid’s action and adventure picture book for children, Snowman Paul Returns to the Winter Olympics, addresses a familiar turning point in every child’s life where they are learning a new skill or facing a new challenge which seems overwhelming. Paul’s face reflects those doubts and fears as the unfamiliar seems insurmountable. Lapid’s story illustrates how even the greatest challenges can be faced without losing those all-important things, such as playing with the other kids, that give life zing and sparkle. I was thrilled to be back in the winter wonderland that is Dan and Snowman Paul’s home turf. Joanna Pasek’s illustrations were, as always, able to seamlessly transport me to those snowy hills, where sledding, skating and snowball fights are the order of the day. And while the books in the Snowman Paul series are, of course, for kids, I find myself looking forward to each and every book in the series. They are great fun, and the lessons to be learned are universal and applicable for all ages. Snowman Paul Returns to the Winter Olympics is a marvelous book about growth, new opportunities and courage, and it’s most highly recommended.

Snowman Paul Returns to the Winter Olympics, by Yossi Lapid, is an illustrated children’s book about a snowman named Paul, who suddenly learns he has been selected to be an official referee for the Winter Olympics. It is apparent he wants to be an official, a highly respected position, yet at the same time he feels overwhelmed by everything he has to learn in the time allowed. So for a number of days he does not play with the children as he used to, but studies by himself and interacts solely as a referee for the local games.

This book hits upon the up and coming theme of the Winter Olympics, and how it can impact the relationships of people—in this case, a snowman and his friends. Paul is overwhelmed and feels he must study alone instead of inviting his friends to help him learn what he needs to be successful. Fortunately, before too much time passes by, Paul realizes he has made a mistake and wants to rejoin his friends, who of course welcome him back with open arms.

The expert watercolor pictures make this a truly magical story. The artwork blends wonderful winter scenes together with detail and color, drawing the young reader in instantly. The theme of friendship is prevalent and ultimately comes to mean more than a position in an up and coming special event. Snowman Paul Returns to the Winter Olympics by Yossi Lapid is a great learning tool for young readers and a story that entertains at the same time. Highly recommended.