Third grader Jerzie wakes up the day after her birthday feeling sad - all her birthday cheer is gone. Much to her surprise, she ends up having a great day outside with her grandma and her little brother, Josiah, while building Violet, a snowgirl that becomes a pilot, a vet, and even their late granddad throughout the day. But when a warm day makes Violet melt, Jerzie must learn how to cope with her grief. The stages of grief are complex, but using the simple analogy of building a snowman, this book is accessible and versatile. It helps children process change, like moving to a new school, and offers strategies for dealing with more difficult loss, like divorce or death. Included at the back of the book are discussion questions, diagrams, and additional resources. K-5. Hardcover.