Customer Reviews
Still love it after all these years... 
2008-03-31
I'm 41 years old. This was my favorite book as a child and I just bought another copy. It's absolutely precious.
One of the few machines in books that is female! 
2008-03-28
Katy is the name of the very strong and indefatigable snowplow who saves the town. I was surprised that my 2.5 y.o daughter enjoyed this because the pictures are not very colorful, but love it she did! When seeing a snowplow in a storm not long after she pointed yelling "It's Katie!"
Katy and the big snow 2008-02-13
This a good book--especially if your child loves trucks and construction equipment as mine does. We first ordered the classic Mike Mulligan's Steam Shovel and then got this book because of it's similarities. Its old-school illustrations are a nice change of pace from some of the newer books we read to our son.
My 25 month old love this book! 2007-12-07
Discovered this book at our doctor's office. My oldest baby did not want to put it down. I told him we would go home and order it on the computer. Each day he looked out the window to see if "KATY" was there yet. Needless to say, he loves this book. It has an incredible map. And it's clear this will be a book we value for many years.
A Simple Favorite 2007-12-06
I have fond memories of this book as a child, so I wanted to share it with my three year old daughter. To my surprise, it was not quite as interesting to me now as it was in my memories. My daughter loves it, however, and we read it together often! It is a simple story of a mess being cleaned up, and maybe that simplicity is what appeals to her.
a story for generations ... 2007-02-09
KATY AND THE BIG SNOW BURTON
Katy Will Not Stop! 2006-11-24
Katy is a municipal snow plow serving a small village who is hit by a massive snow storm. Adults who think it silly that machines are made to behave like people in picture books should remember the little engine that could. Katy has no doubt that she can tackle any snow, and when a massive snow storm hits, she is called to duty. The firemen, the police, the doctors, the postmaster, and others all cry out for help from Katy. When Katy began to tire, she pressed on - she wouldn't stop. She is the heroine who saves the village.
What makes this book more than interesting is that the author is also the illustrator, which means that there is thought behind these illustrations that they should intertwine with the dramatic plot of the text. Each illustration shows the trails plowed through the snow by Katy. With each progressive illustration, the trails become more numerous and complex to where they begin to look like maps. These illustrations partner nicley with the text to produce an emerging cadence in the dialogue.
Our favorite Virginia Lee Burton Book! 2006-03-29
We love this book, it's our absolute favorite Virginia Lee Burton book. My children always seem inspired and excited by the story of the snow plow that nothing could stop!
As always, her illustrations are marvelous (and with the more modern bright colors, it's nice to let your children enjoy the black and white palette), and the story of not giving up is a great message for children. It also makes those winter days when it seems like you'll never get out a little more hopeful.
Classic children's tale 2006-03-16
This is of course by the same author as "Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel," and just as delightful. Appeals to girls and boys alike, and as your child grows, (s)he will find more and more in the book -- maps of the town, buildings' names, names of machine parts, and more. Strongly recommended, even for those unfamiliar with "Mike Mulligan."
Not Burton's Best - a review of "Katy and the Big Snow" 
2006-01-25
I have to agree with the other 3-Star Reviewer. This is not one of Burton's best books. My children (boy and girl; almost 4 and 6) didn't care much for it. There is none of the usual clamoring for another read.
And as the other Reviewer noted, there is a lack of 'personification' for Katy. Her character just doesn't seem as rich as some of Ms. Burton's other equipment (or buildings-lol).
And plowing, followed by more plowing, is just not all that interesting even if it is helping a doctor and a mailman.
Three Stars. If you already have Ms. Burton's other books and like them, take a chance on this book. But if you are looking for a Burton-first story, try another like "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" or even "The Little House."
