Winter's Coming

November 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-This lovely book follows a six-month-old snowshoe hare as she learns what winter is and how her forest friends prepare for its advent. In the process, Lily also learns about herself and how her body prepares-a bear explains that her fur coat has gradually turned from brown to white. The beautiful collage illustrations show the woodland creatures getting ready for the cold in their own way, set against a landscape that slowly turns from fall to winter. As the hare discovers how each forest inhabitant faces the approaching season, the pictures show her fur getting whiter and whiter until, at the book's end, she becomes almost invisible against the falling snow. Two pages of animal and environmental facts are appended, making this a perfect introduction to winter.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2014
Winter is a very demanding visitor! When Lily, a lone snowshoe hare, is told that winter is coming, she isn't sure what to expect or even precisely who or what winter is. Children who know better will be eager to share their thoughts on the subject as Lily speaks to a migrating blackbird, a mushroom-preserving squirrel, a seed-storing chickadee, a nippy mosquito, a frog looking for a hiding place, a caterpillar that's ready to curl up and a turtle about to dive into mud. As she does so, she comes to understand that each creature is getting ready for winter's arrival in a different manner. Straightforward, approachable text, inventively illustrated in paper collage that exudes color and warmth, succinctly describes each animal as preparations get underway, while unbeknownst to Lily, she gradually changes color from chocolate brown to shimmering white. It isn't until snowflakes begin to fall and a bear planning to hibernate sets her straight that Lily understands the true meaning of winter and finds that she can blend in with her surroundings and frolic in the snow. This sweet introduction to the concept of seasons, complete with a curious and likable heroine, is supplemented by endnotes that provide information on the various animals and how they prepare for winter. Young readers will eagerly join this charming young hare in exploring the mysteries of winter. (Picture book. 4-8)

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July 1, 2015
The forest creatures prepare for a phenomenon called "Winter." Lily, a young snowshoe hare, wonders what she should do before the feared visitor arrives. Surprise! Her coat turns snow-white, and she's all set. The text conveys accurate information, despite the irritatingly anthropomorphized animal characters. Lily's gradual transformation is portrayed via realistic mixed-media illustrations. The final two pages feature "Animal and Environmental Facts."

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)