Parental mental health issues, school refusing child and going to live with foster parents is a huge amount to fit into a children’s novel but gosh is it done well. Despite containing all the above this book is fun - laugh out loud kind of fun but without lessening the impact of the aforementioned issues. A brilliant story that can be read, enjoyed and discussed.

So much heart! Magical snowy adventure⛄

This wintry story is wonderful on several different levels. It's a fast moving adventure for a truant ten year old called Blessing wandering the streets, parks and gardens of London. But it also confronts the issue of bullying and mental health, in this case a sadness and depression aggravated by the dark days of winter. And it's a great story of friendship.

Blessing has such challenges at home and at school. Her fantastic discovery of a living, talking snowman named Albert gives her hope about using her own ideas and initiative to partner with Albert and end a gloomy snowy winter that has lasted too long and endangered her mother's health.

It's not all happiness and light. I found the end had a lot of poignancy as Blessing is faced with the loss of her new friends. But I liked the emotional content. And I think a child in the 7-10 age range will really enjoy it.

Thanks to Harper Collins Children's Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

I love Luca and quite like Paddington 2, and children’s books in general.
Plus, I have a school-aged child. We read most of this story together. then I summarised the bits they missed to them (neurodivergent challenges).
Blessing is experiencing many challenges in her life and meets a curious snowman with a broken heart.
The two help each other overcome obstacles.
With its great characterisation and warm themes, this book proves to be a lovely read for 7-10 year olds.
Plot 4
Characterisation 4.5
Themes 5
Prose 4
Vibes/mood 4.5

The Snowman Code is a wonderful wintery fantasy adventure -perfect for 7-10 year olds ( or anyone young at heart)

Blessing lives alone with her mum who struggles with her mental health in particular suffering from seasonal adjustment disorder SAD and closes in on herself leaving Blessing to independently organise her days. Unhappy at school- bullied by the Driplet Triplets- she roams the city of London to pass her days.

All changes when she meets a snowman! Albert Framlington- the eccentrically, loveable and often mistaken about facts snowman. By saying "hello" six times to a snowman Blessing finds Albert speaks to her- it is all part of the Snowman Code which consists of various rules/articles that dictate the world of snowmen and women.

A friendship begins and Blessing and Albert soon discover they have the ability to help each other. Albert who is 600 years old has been searching each winter for his one and only love Clementine- and so the hunt begins. And when Blessing has to stay with a foster family, time is running out to help her mum . Winter must end.

This is a bighearted gently comedic read. It would be easy to picture the animated version. Blessings' life and challenges are dealt with sensitively but not losing touch of the relationship between the two main characters and the humorous situations they find themselves in. The pace is pitch perfect for independent readers and children will connect with Blessings and Albert.

Reggie Brown's illustrations add further charm to the story.

Suspend belief and enjoy this lovely cold frost night bedtime read or lower Key stage 2 class story. A wonderful wintery (not Christmassy ) tale.