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The Snowman Code: New for 2024, a heartwarming, illustrated winter story of friendship for readers aged 7+
A beautifully hopeful, funny and heartwarming tale about the lasting power of love and friendship, from the critically-acclaimed and award-winning screenwriter behind Pixar’s Luca and Paddington 2.
In London, in a winter which shows no sign of ending, a unique friendship begins.
This is the story of Blessing, aged ten-and-a-half, and Albert Framlington, aged six hundred – an eccentric snowman who has seen many winters in many cities, and who is duty-bound by the Snowman Code to help any child in need. Together, Blessing and Albert must find a way to defeat Blessing’s bullies, win back Albert’s long-lost love Clementine, and even overcome the never-ending winter itself…
Perfect for fans of The Christmasaurus, A Boy Called Christmas, The Snowman and Paddington, The Snowman Code is a heartwarming, hilarious and unforgettable modern classic for families to curl up with on frosty winter nights.
In London, in a winter which shows no sign of ending, a unique friendship begins.
This is the story of Blessing, aged ten-and-a-half, and Albert Framlington, aged six hundred – an eccentric snowman who has seen many winters in many cities, and who is duty-bound by the Snowman Code to help any child in need. Together, Blessing and Albert must find a way to defeat Blessing’s bullies, win back Albert’s long-lost love Clementine, and even overcome the never-ending winter itself…
Perfect for fans of The Christmasaurus, A Boy Called Christmas, The Snowman and Paddington, The Snowman Code is a heartwarming, hilarious and unforgettable modern classic for families to curl up with on frosty winter nights.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Simon Stephenson
9 books212 followersHello, good readers!
I am from Edinburgh in Scotland, but now reside in Los Angeles, California. I have had stopovers along the way in London and San Francisco. I’m a writer and screenwriter, and before I became a full-time writer I was a physician.
My new novel, ‘Sometimes People Die’ will be published in September 2022. It's a literary thriller set in a hospital in east London around the turn of the millenium.
I have written two other books. ‘Set My Heart To Five’ came out in 2020. The Washington Post review said that I might be ‘Vonnegut’s first true protege’. You’d better believe I have been dining out on that ever since, and will be for the rest of my days.
‘Let Not the Waves Of the Sea’, my memoir about losing my brother came out in 2012. It won Best First Book at the Scottish Book Awards, and was serialized on BBC Radio 4.
I’ve worked as a writer on various films including Pixar’s LUCA, PADDINGTON 2, and my own THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN. Like every other screenwriter in Hollywood, I have a bottom drawer full of unproduced scripts.
Away from work I mostly like to ride my bike in nearby Griffith Park. in hope of encountering my neighbor the mountain lion. I'm also a fan of animals (petting them not eating them,) cakes (eating them not petting them), and soccer/football.
I am from Edinburgh in Scotland, but now reside in Los Angeles, California. I have had stopovers along the way in London and San Francisco. I’m a writer and screenwriter, and before I became a full-time writer I was a physician.
My new novel, ‘Sometimes People Die’ will be published in September 2022. It's a literary thriller set in a hospital in east London around the turn of the millenium.
I have written two other books. ‘Set My Heart To Five’ came out in 2020. The Washington Post review said that I might be ‘Vonnegut’s first true protege’. You’d better believe I have been dining out on that ever since, and will be for the rest of my days.
‘Let Not the Waves Of the Sea’, my memoir about losing my brother came out in 2012. It won Best First Book at the Scottish Book Awards, and was serialized on BBC Radio 4.
I’ve worked as a writer on various films including Pixar’s LUCA, PADDINGTON 2, and my own THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN. Like every other screenwriter in Hollywood, I have a bottom drawer full of unproduced scripts.
Away from work I mostly like to ride my bike in nearby Griffith Park. in hope of encountering my neighbor the mountain lion. I'm also a fan of animals (petting them not eating them,) cakes (eating them not petting them), and soccer/football.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 9, 2024
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 bedtime read or lower Key stage 2 class story. A wonderful wintery (not Christmassy ) tale.
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 bedtime read or lower Key stage 2 class story. A wonderful wintery (not Christmassy ) tale.
April 8, 2025
The Snowman Code is a heartwarming tale of friendship, kindness and compassion. The story follows Blessing, a ten and a half year old who comes across a snowman who is bound by snowman code to help any distressed child. This winter that the London was experiencing was quite a long one and everyone wishes to witness the next season anytime now.
Follow along Blessing and the snowman take up challenges of defeating Blessing's bullies, find his lost love and ways to end winter. Throughout their journey, you will find courage, kindness and self- confidence with an ability to say "It's okay, you are okay."
The Snowman Code gives the readers a cosy, heartwarming welcome to a place where friendships are forged with understanding, hope and patience. The interactions between Blessing and the snowman were hilarious and especially when the snowman insists on Africa having snow all round the year and Sherlock Holmes being a zoo keeper. There is no changing his mind over it however these talks are highlights of Blessing's life. The protagonist is wise beyond her age and the way she navigates her life is definitely commendable.
Perfect for cosy winter reads but surely you can enjoy this anytime without the constricts of seasonal suggestions ( as the author propose as well. )
Follow along Blessing and the snowman take up challenges of defeating Blessing's bullies, find his lost love and ways to end winter. Throughout their journey, you will find courage, kindness and self- confidence with an ability to say "It's okay, you are okay."
The Snowman Code gives the readers a cosy, heartwarming welcome to a place where friendships are forged with understanding, hope and patience. The interactions between Blessing and the snowman were hilarious and especially when the snowman insists on Africa having snow all round the year and Sherlock Holmes being a zoo keeper. There is no changing his mind over it however these talks are highlights of Blessing's life. The protagonist is wise beyond her age and the way she navigates her life is definitely commendable.
Perfect for cosy winter reads but surely you can enjoy this anytime without the constricts of seasonal suggestions ( as the author propose as well. )
December 15, 2024
I read this book with my 8 year old daughter, Peighton. When I asked her what she liked about the book, she said:
“I liked the bit where she faced her bullies, the Driplet Triplets and pranked them with the abominable snowman. I liked the end too when she went in all the sprinkles, it must have been so cold. I hope Jeremiah’s pipe gets back to him.”
As a parent reading this with my daughter, I felt it was really quite an emotional story. It did hit a bit close to home for me as I had a parent who suffered depression growing up and it really resonated with me. It was sad but heartwarming at the same time, this is one I will remember reading for a long time.
“I liked the bit where she faced her bullies, the Driplet Triplets and pranked them with the abominable snowman. I liked the end too when she went in all the sprinkles, it must have been so cold. I hope Jeremiah’s pipe gets back to him.”
As a parent reading this with my daughter, I felt it was really quite an emotional story. It did hit a bit close to home for me as I had a parent who suffered depression growing up and it really resonated with me. It was sad but heartwarming at the same time, this is one I will remember reading for a long time.
March 1, 2025
Wat een lief verhaal🥰 3,75
December 16, 2024
Well this book made me cry! At no point did I know where it was going but I loved the journey regardless. Absolutely adorable and magical read.
November 11, 2024
Sweet, snowy children's story.
A new world is created here, with its own rules and history. One you might find yourself questioning why you never thought about it more yourself, though child readers discovering this alone are likely to take to the mythology straight away.
Blessing only discovers the snowman in the park can move and talk when she hides out day after day, avoiding the school bullies who make her life miserable, and can't tell her Mum, who's severely depressed by the never-ending winter (it's now May) and snow.
By accident, Blessing finds that she can speak to Albert Framlington, a more than 600-year-old snowman, who admits he has a Snowman Code to live by, and shares the snowman world with his new human friend.
Albert is a concoction of inventiveness and quirk, as he constantly makes a mess of human phrases and customs, but still shines through as a soft-hearted character with a longing for the beautiful Clementine he hasn't seen for centuries.
And can their quests together to help each other even help out Blessing's Mum, now taken away from their home due to her winter-related depression?
A comfortable read for an independent reader, with short chapters and illustrations to bridge the gap from easier material. The story is pretty compelling, as the snowman world is revealed and multiple strands where Blessing and Albert can help each other start to unfold.
It's funny and sweet, and Blessing is a worthy heroine, with her own problems.
This gives us the snowman background that Raymond Briggs' graphic short novel and cartoon couldn't hope to bring to curious readers. And a lovely seasonal story about friendship, family and sacrifice.
For ages 7 to 12.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
A new world is created here, with its own rules and history. One you might find yourself questioning why you never thought about it more yourself, though child readers discovering this alone are likely to take to the mythology straight away.
Blessing only discovers the snowman in the park can move and talk when she hides out day after day, avoiding the school bullies who make her life miserable, and can't tell her Mum, who's severely depressed by the never-ending winter (it's now May) and snow.
By accident, Blessing finds that she can speak to Albert Framlington, a more than 600-year-old snowman, who admits he has a Snowman Code to live by, and shares the snowman world with his new human friend.
Albert is a concoction of inventiveness and quirk, as he constantly makes a mess of human phrases and customs, but still shines through as a soft-hearted character with a longing for the beautiful Clementine he hasn't seen for centuries.
And can their quests together to help each other even help out Blessing's Mum, now taken away from their home due to her winter-related depression?
A comfortable read for an independent reader, with short chapters and illustrations to bridge the gap from easier material. The story is pretty compelling, as the snowman world is revealed and multiple strands where Blessing and Albert can help each other start to unfold.
It's funny and sweet, and Blessing is a worthy heroine, with her own problems.
This gives us the snowman background that Raymond Briggs' graphic short novel and cartoon couldn't hope to bring to curious readers. And a lovely seasonal story about friendship, family and sacrifice.
For ages 7 to 12.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
September 30, 2024
❄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.
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.
December 24, 2024
Dit was echt een prachtig boek met veel magie en mooiheid en sneeuw, perfect voor de kersttijd. Nelson was ook zo lief (ik hou van honden in boeken, nou ja als ze niet praten, haha). En een prachtig einde! Oh, en leuke illustraties.
Helaas..
Helaas..
October 22, 2024
This book was so cute. I loved this story so much. It was beautiful and heartwarming and perfect to curl up with over the festive season. Even though it's aimed at kids it can be read by any age. I highly recommend it to other readers.
September 16, 2024
This was so adorable!
October 21, 2024
I sobbed the whole way through this beautiful children’s book about friendship, love and a little girl in foster care.
December 6, 2024
This was such a sweet read about love and friendship but also about heavier topics like bullying, depression and death.
December 31, 2024
Such a lovely cozy adorable read 🥰☃️❄️
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews