The Snowman Paul Series: 4 in 1 Box Set is a collection of children's picture books written by Yossi Lapid and illustrated by Joanna Pasek. Sometimes it just seems like there's nothing to do on a snowy winter's afternoon. Dan was feeling pretty bored looking outside at the snow on the ground, so his mom suggested that he go out and build a snowman. Dan quickly dismissed the idea as being dumb, at least, that's what his friend Bill says; however, since there was nothing else to do, Dan got dressed in his jacket and cap and went outside. He was surprised at how fast the snowman began to take shape. Before he knew it, he had built a large snowman's body, and then he started crafting the snowman's head. Then Dan got a bit embarrassed and lost interest after seeing Bill watching, and he turned to go back home. Suddenly he heard a voice that commanded him to come back. Dan was stunned to hear the snowman talking, and he quickly picked up the head and placed it on the body. And yes, the snowman talked! He had a name, in fact. Paul was ready to start playing right away, and he had a number of adventures all planned out for himself and his new friend, Dan. Paul was definitely not your ordinary snowman.

Yossi Lapid's collection of children's picture books, The Snowman Paul Series: 4 in 1 Box Set, introduces an extraordinarily talented snowman who expands young Dan's world in a number of surprising ways. These stories show Paul's creation; his musical abilities which drive Dan and his family crazy; his ice sculpting prowess which helps save the day when Dan eats his sister's birthday cake, and finally, his winter sports prowess at the Winter Olympics. Along the way, Dan and Paul both learn about appreciating other people’s skills and abilities, and realize that cheating, no matter how innocent, is never a way to win a gold medal.

Joanna Pasek's watercolor illustrations are gloriously colored and perfectly synchronized with the stories. Each panel is lovingly crafted and detailed, and I found myself captivated by each of them. Her skillful and judicious use of washes and blue-gray tones gives this snowy set of tales zing and dimension. The Snowman Paul Series is an excellent story time selection, but the reading difficulty level is also suitable for new readers to try on their own, especially with the pictures helping them puzzle out unfamiliar words. This is the perfect winter story selection and it's most highly recommended.

The Snowman Paul Series comes in four parts: My Snowman, Paul; Snowman Paul at the Concert Hall; Snowman Paul Saves Kate’s Birthday; and Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics. In My Snowman, Paul, author Yossi Lapid takes young readers on an adventure when Dan’s mother tells him to go play on a snowy day. Though his friend, Bill, mocks him, Dan builds himself a snowman. (So much for peer pressure!) Then the snowman, Paul, comes to life and wants to play. Shortly after, the two become best friends. The second story, Snowman Paul at the Concert Hall, begins when Paul asks Dan for a fiddle. After practicing day and night (to Dan’s chagrin), Paul performs at the Concert Hall. Dan is amazed to find that Paul is a hit! Next comes Snowman Paul Saves Kate’s Birthday, wherein Dan cannot resist eating his sister Kate’s birthday cake in advance of her special day. To make up for it, he enlists Paul’s help. Together the two create a winter wonderland for Kate. But as one might expect, she eventually wants her cake. Fortunately, Mother comes to the rescue. Finally, Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics follows Dan and Paul’s escapades as Paul enters the Winter Olympics and, with the help of his friends — the wind, ice, and snow — goes “Gold!”

Dan and Paul take young readers on a series of interesting adventures in Yossi Lapid's The Snowman Paul Series. Children are invited to use their imaginations in creating winter wonderlands for themselves. But I think the best part of these tales is the lovely artwork by Joanna Pasek. She depicts Dan and Paul as fun-loving characters, makes the family pets seem “real,” and paints an inviting snowy winter landscape. These are good tales to share with children on bad weather days that often come with long and boring afternoons. They might even encourage the little ones to go out to play themselves and to create their own adventures!