Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow - Kari Allen - ★★★★.½

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AUTHOR: Kari Allen
ILLUSTRATOR: Tatjana Mai-Wyss
SERIES: Maddie and Mabel, #5
GENRE: Children's Fiction, Chapter Book.
RATING: 4.5 stars.


In a Nutshell: The fifth picture book in the 'Maddie and Mabel' series, and just as adorable as the earlier books. A great option for beginner readers.


Those who are familiar with this series know that Maddie and Mabel are sisters. While there are many things they enjoy doing together, their personalities are distinct. This makes stories featuring them a treat as we see their strong bond clearly, even during disagreements.

While many books featuring siblings show the elder one dominating the younger one, this series always depicts both the girls at an equal level, with Maddie and Mabel taking care of their individual choices while still listening to and supporting the other… for the most part anyway. It is the perfect depiction of a healthy sibling relationship. I love how the girls always have an open conversation about their thoughts and feelings.

This book is divided into five interlinked stories, with winter and snow being the connecting theme. The discussion between the two about their favourite kind of snow won my heart. Until I read it, I hadn’t even viewed snow with such a deep perspective.

The stories are written in easy vocabulary. There are not more than 3-4 lines of text per page, with many lines using repetition for emphasis. This makes the book a great option for little ones who are transitioning upwards from basic picture books, but aren't yet ready for full-length chapter books.

The graphics are simply adorable. The two sisters are as cute as always. As there is a lot of white space in the page, the little colourful graphics feel extra vibrant even though the palette is dominated by light-pastel shades.

All in all, this is a sweet story focussing on two sisters and their loving bond. There’s plenty of fun as well as some interesting opinion-based activities at the end.

I've been following this series ever since the first book came out. Except for Book Three (which never came on NetGalley, to my utter dismay), I've read every other book of the series. It's tough to pick a favourite because every single one has been a winner. Rarely do I get to say this about a series, especially a small press offering.

Much recommended! The books can be read as standalone, but I'd recommend all of them with equal gusto. They work for general reading as well as bedtime companions. The content will work great for ages 3 and above.

4.5 stars, always happy to round up for deserving small press books.

My thanks to Kind World Publishing for providing the DRC of “Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Here are the books of the Maddie and Mabel series in the right order:

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