The Snowman

Author Raymond Briggs deliberately avoided a happy, magical resolution, choosing instead to have the snowman melt to teach children about impermanence and loss [1.1.6]. He believed that introducing young readers to the reality of death and change was an important part of life.

A highly acclaimed, wordless animated television film was released in 1982, featuring the famous song "Walking in the Air". The adaptation was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film and has become a staple of holiday broadcasting.

The entire book is illustrated using only colored pencils, giving the frames a soft, hazy texture that mimics the atmosphere of a snowy day.