The Snowy Day

Viking, 1962

In this Caldecott Award-winning book, a small boy named Peter experiences the joy of a snowy day. First published in 1962, this now-classic book broke the color barrier in mainstream children’s publishing. The vivid and ageless illustrations and text, beloved by several generations of readers, have earned a place in the pantheon of great American children’s literature.

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The Snowy Day Tops the Charts!

2020 is the 125th Anniversary of the New York Public Library and to our delight they’ve revealed that The Snowy Day is the #1 circulating book in the Library’s history since it opened its doors in 1895! With this announcement the NYPL highlights their unique role in supporting a love of reading, re-affirming the Library’s values of trust, inclusion and access for all. Without doubt, this shows that The Snowy Day, the first children’s picture book with an African American protagonist to win a major children’s book award, continues to rock!

To celebrate the top checkout, The Snowy Day will appear on special, limited-edition NYPL library cards and a special edition MTA Metrocard.

This honor from NYPL and library customers who checked out The Snowy Day 485,583 times, reminds us of the importance of diversity in children’s literature so children of all races can see themselves in the stories they read. “It is such a relatable story, and pure magic for kids and adults alike. It’s on people’s radar screens, they remember when they first heard it, and they want to share that experience with their kids.” Andrew Medlar, director of NYPL BookOps Selection Team.

Join us in celebrating the latest honor bestowed on Ezra Jack Keats as The Snowy Day further expands its reach throughout New York City in homes, schools, the subway and at it’s 92 libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, reminding us all of the power of a simple story.

NYPL Top 10 Checkouts

NYPL Press Release