A poignant tale about a game gone awry shows that in the face of greed and reckless destruction, one thoughtful person can make a big difference.
Snowboy is busy saving the Polar Bear King when Greenbackboy approaches him with an idea for a game called KA-CHING — a game that will make them rich. It’s easy: all they need to do is cut down all of the trees in the forest and catch all of the fish in the ocean and trade it in for piles and piles of shiny KA-CHING. But if all the trees are gone, they won’t be able to breathe. And what is a sea without fish? Their world would be inhospitable. Since Greenbackboy can’t see the forest for the trees, it’s up to Snowboy to trust his instinct to protect and nurture, rather than destroy. In a tale that glimmers with quiet power and hope, Hiawyn Oram transforms a universal cautionary tale into an accessible and imaginative fantasy, made all the more vivid by Birgitta Sif’s beautiful and atmospheric artwork.
Whimsical artwork and lyrical, folkloric prose present a motif both familiar and new...Humor and heartfelt lyricism create a clear but nonpedantic morality tale for young and young-at-heart. —Kirkus Reviews
Snowboy and Greenbackboy have expressive faces, and Snowboy’s animal companions are a sweet touch. Though it’s cute and quirky, the story has a clear purpose: to help children understand the importance of conserving natural resources. A fine purchase, and an excellent springboard for discussions about conservation. —School Library Journal
Without being heavy-handed, Oram delivers a clear environmental message in his Lorax-style tale, making this a nice Earth Day pick or introduction to conservation. Meanwhile, Sif’s inviting plum, teal, and midnight blue scenes carry a magical glow that further illuminates nature’s worth. —Booklist
Hiawyn Oram has been writing children’s books for more than twenty years and is the author of more than sixty titles, including Filbert, the Good Little Fiend. A recipient of the Japanese Picture Book Award and the Prix du Livre Culturel, Hiawyn Oram lives in London.
Birgitta Sif is a designer and artist and the author-illustrator of Oliver and Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance. Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, Birgitta Sif now lives with her family in Sweden.
A poignant tale about a game gone awry shows that in the face of greed and reckless destruction, one thoughtful person can make a big difference.
Snowboy is busy saving the Polar Bear King when Greenbackboy approaches him with an idea for a game called KA-CHING — a game that will make them rich. It’s easy: all they need to do is cut down all of the trees in the forest and catch all of the fish in the ocean and trade it in for piles and piles of shiny KA-CHING. But if all the trees are gone, they won’t be able to breathe. And what is a sea without fish? Their world would be inhospitable. Since Greenbackboy can’t see the forest for the trees, it’s up to Snowboy to trust his instinct to protect and nurture, rather than destroy. In a tale that glimmers with quiet power and hope, Hiawyn Oram transforms a universal cautionary tale into an accessible and imaginative fantasy, made all the more vivid by Birgitta Sif’s beautiful and atmospheric artwork.
Praise
Whimsical artwork and lyrical, folkloric prose present a motif both familiar and new...Humor and heartfelt lyricism create a clear but nonpedantic morality tale for young and young-at-heart. —Kirkus Reviews
Snowboy and Greenbackboy have expressive faces, and Snowboy’s animal companions are a sweet touch. Though it’s cute and quirky, the story has a clear purpose: to help children understand the importance of conserving natural resources. A fine purchase, and an excellent springboard for discussions about conservation. —School Library Journal
Without being heavy-handed, Oram delivers a clear environmental message in his Lorax-style tale, making this a nice Earth Day pick or introduction to conservation. Meanwhile, Sif’s inviting plum, teal, and midnight blue scenes carry a magical glow that further illuminates nature’s worth. —Booklist
Author
Hiawyn Oram has been writing children’s books for more than twenty years and is the author of more than sixty titles, including Filbert, the Good Little Fiend. A recipient of the Japanese Picture Book Award and the Prix du Livre Culturel, Hiawyn Oram lives in London.
Birgitta Sif is a designer and artist and the author-illustrator of Oliver and Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance. Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, Birgitta Sif now lives with her family in Sweden.
