So Cold! -- John Coy, Hardcover

When the temperature drops far below freezing, many people plan to stay warm and cozy inside. But when it's "so cold" that everyday things behave in unusual ways, it is worth the effort to get outside and play! In this vibrantly illustrated children's story, a boy and his father dress in layer after layer before braving the cold, and the youngster declares: "Call me Freezeman!" Together the two experiment: What happens when boiling water is flung into the air? Or when maple syrup is poured on clean snow? The night before they left a banana outside: now it's frozen solid. Can they can use it like a hammer? A helium balloon that floats inside the house changes dramatically in the freezing air. These and other discoveries await explorers bold enough to venture out on a bright and chilly day. Back inside at the end of the day, no wonder Freezeman declares: "so cold is so fun!" This playful narrative by John Coy celebrates curiosity and exploration, while Chris Park's brilliant artwork illuminates a winter landscape that is anything but bleak. An author's note explains the science behind the various experiments, leaving just one question: with all these amazing activities to undertake with your favorite adult when it's "so cold," why would anyone prefer to stay inside?