Snowman Paul and Kate's Olympic Dream


Children - Picture Book
42 Pages
Reviewed on 02/11/2018
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Readers' Favorite

Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream, written by Yossi Lapid and illustrated by Joanna Pasek, is part of a series. In this new volume we follow the adventures and the teachings of Snowman Paul who is, as ever, the perfect guide and teacher in this sometimes difficult world. He coaches, helps and supports Kate in every way with the help of her brother, Dan, and this is the story of a friendship, of a team effort rather than just the story of Kate’s dream. Moreover, the text is magnificent, rhymes, and reflects the story as the superb illustrations also do. It is both fun and informative, both luminous and poetic.

Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream is a lovely children’s book. It is perfect to teach perseverance, resilience, and teamwork as well as showing what friendship, sharing, and helping each other are all about. The illustrations convey the same messages of benevolence, happiness and resilience, for instance: “Oh yes!" said Paul, "A tip or two, / Will make a winner out of you!...” or “We worked together as a team, / To make true Kate’s Olympic dream.” It is a great bedtime story which is enchanting for young readers and their parents alike. The message is positive and will help them grow as happy human beings. It is a real delight to help young children’s imaginations roam free, which is the most important goal for a children’s story. That is why I warmly and enthusiastically recommend this volume as a literature teacher (I love the poetic aspects of this book) and as a mother.


Jack Magnus

Snowman Paul and Kate's Olympic Dream is an action and adventure picture book for children written by Yossi Lapid and illustrated by Joanna Pasek. Snowman Paul and Dan were happily engrossed in a game of chess when Paul noticed Kate skating on the ice nearby. Paul couldn’t help but compliment Kate on her skating, something that made Kate feel grand, and his compliment gave her the courage to ask if he could help her become an Olympic skater. Paul gave it some thought and decided that, yes, if Dan helped, they could train Kate and make her a star. Dan wasn’t all that keen on the idea. He wanted Paul to continue coaching his chess playing skills, but Dan went along, and the two friends began working with Kate. It was a hard job getting her speed and spins and technique up to par, and at times Kate felt as though it were an impossible task, but then something incredible happened and Kate found her inner strength. She was on her way to becoming an Olympian.

Yossi Lapid’s action and adventure picture book for children, Snowman Paul and Kate's Olympic Dream, is perfectly timed with the current Winter Olympics, while kids everywhere are dreaming their own Olympian dreams. Lapid’s story showcases the hard work and dedication that makes those dreams realities, including those moments when everything just seems impossible and pointless. He also covers aspects of sibling or friendly rivalry as Dan decides to put his own desires to be taught chess on hold while helping Paul train Kate. Joanna Pasek’s superb illustrations catch the beauty and grace of Kate’s skating. Her technique of putting two successive images on a panel creates an effect of animation, making it possible for the reader to visualize Kate spinning, leaping and speeding across the ice. Pasek also excels at animating Dan's and Kate’s faces, ranging from Dan’s initial irritation at losing his chess tutor to Kate’s expressions of hopefulness, anger and despair as she struggles to perfect her sport. The concerned and caring look on Dan’s face as he encourages Kate to try one more time is so very eloquent. Snowman Paul and Kate's Olympic Dream teaches kids to work hard for their dreams and to help others reach theirs; both are marvelous lessons indeed. Snowman Paul and Kate's Olympic Dream is most highly recommended.

Kayti Nika Raet

Snowman Paul and Kate's Olympic Dream is a heartwarming children's book written by Yossi Lapid and illustrated by Joanna Pasek. Kate is a young girl who dreams of skating at the Winter Olympics, and Snowman Paul and her brother, Dan, are determined to help her. With a lot of practice, teamwork and determination, the three embrace their desire to help Kate reach the top. Fast paced and filled with fun, quirky watercolor illustrations that bring to mind classic books like the Frances series, Snowman Paul and Kate's Olympic Dream is perfect for cold winter days and great for this year's current Winter Olympic games. Readers young and old alike will definitely enjoy this fun rhyming story, full of bright colors to draw in extremely young children and simple language that won't overwhelm the skills of a beginner reader.

Lapid is able to really showcase the great gains that come with teamwork and practice, as well as believing in yourself. He does it all without being heavy handed or preachy. Snowman Paul and Kate's Olympic Dream makes for a book that is sure to inspire any young child and the presence of a sentient snowman is sure to delight. Snowman Paul and Kate's Olympic Dream will make for a great bedtime story, and is wonderful for the winter season. A lovely gift for beginner readers and even more so for the young fan of ice skating. In a story full of heart, warmth, and understanding, Lapid manages to craft a piece that is sure to delight young readers.