This is a book of beauty and joy. The ambiance of a small town celebrating the Evening of a New Year together was portrayed lovingly and with temendous depth.

It begins with two horses who are anxious to participate on the snowy night after the snow fell all day and night over all the land. There are two large "Percheron" horses who are so very excited they can hardly wait. Like children on Christmas morning, the horses antipaate a wonderful event.

Even the sheep in the barn are excited. Then, the horses are prepared with their bridles and the large sleight that has lights and bells and plenty of room to accommodate those who want to ride through the town And, the snow continues to come down from the sky and the sleigh bells ring. (What an image Patricia MacLachlan painted!!!)

In the market there are three trumpets played by three childen celebrating the last night of the year. As the children climb into the sleigh, there is laugher and interaction. The lights in all the houses are on, and they cast a beautiful glow on the fresh snow. the people wave from their doors and windows as a little dog runs along with the sleigh.

A young child is lifted high to kiss the nose of one of the horses. Then, the children begin the go homes, and again, MacLachlan paints the portrait of serenity as she notes the children are going home to sleep under quilts, while holding a stuffed animal and maybe a family pet.

Still, the snow continues to cover the town''s lights and houses. And now, it is time for the older members of the town to have a ride in the sleigh. As the horses pull the sleigh to the manor where they wait. Then, they pile into the sleigh, covering themselves with blankets. There is laughter, chatter and singing. Remembering when they too were young and made snowmen, threw snowballs, rode their horses to town or schools.

Now, the night is over, the people are home, the horses return to their warm barn, each receiving a sugar cube reward for their hard work. The sleep are asleep

Everything sparkles as the night grows colder and as the quiet town seems to sleep as well, tomorrow, the first day of the year, they awake to a winter wonderland as all get prepared to go into town to celebrate another year.

But before the day begins, and the night is still soft and quiet, MacLachlan ends her beautiufully written story with the image of the little dog who ran along the sleigh, now tired and sleeping on a a hooked rug in front of the fireplace.

This book was obtained through the library. I will buy a copy so I can take it off the shelf when life seems difficult, and I will treasure the images and the feelings that elict calmness and beauty. ( )

I liked this book far more than I thought I would upon first glance. It is such a great New Year's Eve/First Night story about spreading joy and happiness, light and warmth and community. It made me want to go on a sled ride and ring in the new year. ( )

Horses; snow; New Year's ( )

2023 Mock Caldecott (2nd/3rd grade)

Absolutely gorgeous collage and painting from Micha Archer, especially use of light and shadow and silhouette, and the individual snowflakes falling, and lights throughout the town. A perfect New Year's Eve story.

See also: The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper and Carson Ellis, Snowflake Bentley ( )