Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

Robert Frost’s well-known poem takes on new life in its first picture-book adaptation. The poem–long appreciated for its strong rhythm and evocative images–leaves readers wondering, “Where was the man going on the darkest night of the year?” and “Why on earth did he stop by the woods in a snowstorm?” Artist Susan Jeffers answers these questions visually–the kindly older gentleman who narrates the poem stops his sleigh to feed the forest birds and creatures. He stops once more to visit his daughter and grandchildren, then is off again through a blizzard, with many miles to go before he can sleep. The silent beauty of a snowy night shines through Jeffers’s artwork; the man’s clothing and blanket are the only bright touches of color in the white and wintry world of the woods. This quiet yet powerful book has a magic all its own.