I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea

Author Janice Milusich On Tour
Illustrated by Chris Raschka
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$18.99 US
RH Childrens Books | Anne Schwartz Books
24 per carton
On sale Oct 07, 2025 | 9780593308172
Age 4-8 years
Reading Level: Lexile 590L | Fountas & Pinnell O
Sales rights: World

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In this lyrical picture book illustrated by a two-time Caldecott Medalist, share in a blind child's joyful experience of the changing seasons.

Where I live, seasons change. I know because my fingers and toes, my ears, my mouth and nose, all tell me so.

Neveah is blind, but that doesn't mean she can't enjoy each of the four wondrous seasons of the year.

She knows it's winter when her boots go scruuunch in the snow and cold flakes land softly on her tongue.

She knows spring has come by the smell of hyacinths, the bzzzz of a bee in her ear.

Summer is a trip to the beach, where she can hear the crash of ocean waves and the keowww of seagulls overhead.

And when Neveah's rake goes scritch scratch over fallen leaves and the air turns brisk, she knows it's autumn. Soon the cycle of seasons will begin anew.

In this poetic story with art by a two-time Caldecott Medalist, join Neveah as she uses her senses of touch, taste, hearing, and smell to vividly describe the changing seasons and the unique delights they each have to offer.
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★ "Encouraging reflection, this is an immersive, empowering picture book about inclusion, abilities, and appreciation of 'wonders all around.'" —Booklist, starred review

★ "A lovely look at the seasons, and an excellent choice for story time, showing the sensory experience of a child who wholly embraces every moment." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A thoughtfully crafted celebration of the rich sensory world that surrounds us all." —Kirkus Reviews

"Raschka’s watercolor and oil pastel artwork evokes nature’s cycles as shifting color palettes connote the passage of time while capturing the loving relationship between parent and child." —Publishers Weekly

"This charming picture book offers a gentle reminder to slow down and allow yourself the wondrous opportunity to connect with the given moment." —The Bulletin

"The book....simply conveys and celebrates the richness of sensory experience that exists even without sight....A welcome addition to the oeuvre of picture books about disability and the senses." —The Horn Book

Classroom Activities for I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

About

In this lyrical picture book illustrated by a two-time Caldecott Medalist, share in a blind child's joyful experience of the changing seasons.

Where I live, seasons change. I know because my fingers and toes, my ears, my mouth and nose, all tell me so.

Neveah is blind, but that doesn't mean she can't enjoy each of the four wondrous seasons of the year.

She knows it's winter when her boots go scruuunch in the snow and cold flakes land softly on her tongue.

She knows spring has come by the smell of hyacinths, the bzzzz of a bee in her ear.

Summer is a trip to the beach, where she can hear the crash of ocean waves and the keowww of seagulls overhead.

And when Neveah's rake goes scritch scratch over fallen leaves and the air turns brisk, she knows it's autumn. Soon the cycle of seasons will begin anew.

In this poetic story with art by a two-time Caldecott Medalist, join Neveah as she uses her senses of touch, taste, hearing, and smell to vividly describe the changing seasons and the unique delights they each have to offer.

Photos

additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo

Praise

★ "Encouraging reflection, this is an immersive, empowering picture book about inclusion, abilities, and appreciation of 'wonders all around.'" —Booklist, starred review

★ "A lovely look at the seasons, and an excellent choice for story time, showing the sensory experience of a child who wholly embraces every moment." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A thoughtfully crafted celebration of the rich sensory world that surrounds us all." —Kirkus Reviews

"Raschka’s watercolor and oil pastel artwork evokes nature’s cycles as shifting color palettes connote the passage of time while capturing the loving relationship between parent and child." —Publishers Weekly

"This charming picture book offers a gentle reminder to slow down and allow yourself the wondrous opportunity to connect with the given moment." —The Bulletin

"The book....simply conveys and celebrates the richness of sensory experience that exists even without sight....A welcome addition to the oeuvre of picture books about disability and the senses." —The Horn Book

Guides

Classroom Activities for I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)