Jason, Lizzy and the Snowman Village by Charity & Ryan Kountz
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Young Adult, Holiday, Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (49 pages)
Age Recommendation: 6+
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by AstilbeAfter Jason and Lizzy’s family move hundreds of miles south from Chicago to Texas, leaving behind friends, school and the only home they’ve ever known, they are desperate for something familiar. Together, Jason and Lizzy make a late-night wish upon a star for snow that launches them on an incredible adventure even bigger than their recent cross-country move.
Join Jason and Lizzy as they make new friends, visit far-away lands, and learn, sometimes, home is more than where you live.
Without snow no one will be able to celebrate Christmas this year. Can Lizzie and Jason change the forecast before it’s too late?
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The chapters are short, and each one provides a natural stopping point for families who would rather stretch out the adventure over several nights. The last few pages include a series of questions parents and caregivers can use to start a conversation about certain decisions Lizzie, Jason and other characters make throughout the course of the plot. I prefer asking open-ended questions about generosity and the Christmas Spirit, but I can see how this resource could be useful in a classroom or small group setting.
It took some time to figure out the most appropriate age recommendation for this tale. Certain vocabulary words may be too difficult for kids who have just moved onto chapter books, but if an adult reads it aloud the imaginative plot will delight preschoolers and early elementary students who believe in the magic of Christmas. The plot is best suited for kids between the ages of 5 and 8, but there is nothing in it that would be inappropriate for a slightly younger audience.
One of the trickiest aspects of writing in the fantasy genre for this age group is crafting a story that stands up to endless repetition. Each chapter includes unexpected references to characters from ancient myths and legends that are sure to make adult readers and older children crack a smile. Mother Nature was particularly amusing, and I hope to meet her again soon when Jason and Lizzie go on other adventures.
Jason, Lizzy and the Snowman Village is an instant classic. I highly recommend introducing it to the children in your life, and I can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
Oh my goodness, this review appeared as a Google alert in my inbox. I immediately read it aloud to my husband (co-author) and we are beyond thrilled that you liked the book so much! The airplane was a combination of our ideas but largely his. Being compared to a classic like Alice in Wonderland is amazing and has us both speechless with delight. I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful review, it means the world to us both!
You’re very welcome, Charity!
I have a family member who is the perfect age for this book, and I can’t wait to share it with him. 🙂
Do you know when the sequel might be released?
We’re planning for the sequel to come out sometime this summer, no later than the beginning of September. So glad you’re excited for the next one – we are too! 🙂
By the way, my husband was wondering what the “best book” star means. I tried searching the site and couldn’t find anything about it. Can you explain what that means?
A “best book” is the highest rating we give here. It’s reserved for truly exceptional books that make us want to buy everything else the authors who wrote them have ever published.
Being A good friend of Charity may make me basis about her book but I can tell you that it doesn’t make my 3 year old basis for sure! She Loved Jason and Lizzy and still 6 months after Christmas is asking to have it read to her at least once a week!
Astilbe – I’m so flattered – I figured it was something like that but didn’t want to get my hopes up too much. 🙂 Thank you so much! We’re thrilled to have your support!
Troy – my friend, your support means the world to me. I’m delighted that your three year old loves the story so much! That’s fantastic and more than I could have hoped for!
Thanks to you both for making this just a super fantastic week!
You’re very welcome, Charity! I hope you’ll consider sending in the next book to LASR once it’s ready. I’d love to be the one to review it.
Troy, thanks for chiming in. I thought this book might be ok for younger kids, but as I’m not a parent I tend to err on the side of caution. 🙂
Oh I’d be more than happy to send in book 2. Would you like me to send an advance release copy prior to publication?
Yes, that would be great!