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Real Magic
Ice Cap follows an unusual snowman with a cell phone and electric guitar who helps entertain kids and unite communities in the winter. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I have been in awe of technology advancement in my lifetime. As a teacher and parent, I have noticed how adults and now children are often glued to their phones and tablets, missing out on the adventure we call life! Real magic happens when parents, teachers, and caregivers make real-life connections with children through play, music, and by showing kindness. There is no substitute for spending quality time with each other. Ice Cap has a phone and he’s from THIS century but he hasn’t forgotten the intrinsic value of friendship, whether it is with his forest friends or the children he meets. I wanted to incorporate the ideas of manners, of including parents in the fun, and of giving gifts of the heart, drawn from the magic of our natural world.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Claire Sedovic?
Claire is a wonderful artist and our collaboration was quite seamless. I immediately chose her from my publisher’s repertoire. Although the comic strip and AI illustration styles are popular now, I wanted the story to seem modern with the underlying charm of a timeless tradition. I sent her a lot of background setting material and ideas for characters (objects, animals, multicultural children, objects, my sketch of Ice Cap, etc.) and she stayed true to my vision for the book. She did some research of her own, I could tell right away when she captured my corn husk dolls that adorn the tree. (A craft taught to my mom by a First Nations neighbour 80 years ago!) Claire was open to make changes or additions and her own interpretations of each scene really brought the story to life. Thanks, Claire!!!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first book! I’m quite busy sharing my story with schools, libraries, and my community. I have already written a companion story with a similar female character but I am going to wait a while before starting the process again. Time will tell!!! I actually have so many stories written, all drawn from my experiences, from my community, and from the flora and fauna of our beautiful world. For now readers, parents, and teachers can connect with me or read my blog on my website joanepp.com. I look forward to reading the stories that children send me at justjoanandkids@gmail.com because after all reading inspires writing!
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Whether he’s snowboarding down hills, playing games with kids, or sharing frosty treats, Ice Cap makes winter the most magical time of the year. When the children text him with a “please,” he’s there in a flash, ready to join in the fun!
But Ice Cap’s adventures aren’t just about games. He’s got a special gift for spreading kindness and making memories. From building ice castles to creating a beautiful pine tree in the center of town, he’s always thinking of ways to make his friends smile.
From debut author, Joan Epp, this rhyming picture book is perfect for kids who love snowmen, the holidays, and winter fun. With lyrical text and whimsical illustrations, “Ice Cap” is a delightful read that will warm hearts, even on the frostiest days. Ideal for children ages 3-7, this story is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.
Join Ice Cap on his snowy adventures, and discover the magic of winter through the eyes of a modern-day snowman who’s as cool as he is kind!
Ice Cap
Ice Cap is a wintery adventure filled with magic, laughs, and a snowman who’s just too cool to melt. A snowman named Ice Cap isn’t just your average frosty fellow. He sports a hat that powers his cell phone, rocks out on an electric guitar, and knows all the popular tunes. The story takes you through his snowy escapades, from racing down hills on his snowboard to strumming tunes for both kids and parents. Ice Cap becomes the ultimate snow-day hero, bringing the town together with fun and a big heart, even though he has to dash away when spring starts peeking in.
Author Joan Epp’s rhyming verse has a bouncy and cheerful rhythm that’ll have you singing along. The language is accessible, the kind that young readers will gobble up, but with a playful sophistication that adults can chuckle at too. Take the line, “He’s got cool sunglasses and a magical hat, that charges his cell phone so he can chat”—come on, how can you not smile at a snowman with tech-savvy charm? It feels like a joyful mix between classic winter tales and a modern-day spin on what kids actually enjoy.
What really shines in this children’s book is the imagination. Ice Cap creates full-blown adventures with snowmobiles, ice castles, and even hockey games. It’s a pure and delightful fantasy. There’s something heartwarming about how Epp brings Ice Cap to life as a character who always returns when the children need him, reminding us of those magical childhood friends we wished could stick around forever. The details are rich but relatable, like the fun twist where the kids have to text “please” to get Ice Cap to join their play.
The watercolor illustrations are a burst of vibrant joy that perfectly capture the picture book’s playful energy. Each page has lively colors. Claire Sedovic’s attention to detail is a true treat. Every page is full of whimsical touches that bring the story to life, like the expressions of pure delight on the kids’ faces when Ice Cap is in different situations. It’s the kind of art that invites kids to pause and soak in the magic.
Ice Cap is a must-read for families who love the magic of winter and the idea of a snowman who’s as much of a rock star as he is a playful buddy. It’s perfect for bedtime reading or any day when you wish the snow would stick around a bit longer. Parents, grandparents, teachers—anyone looking to spark a bit of wonder in a child’s eyes should pick this up.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DF7HSBB9
LITERARY TITAN 