Winter lullaby

PreS-Gr 2--The world is growing grayer and chillier as autumn heads into winter in the woods. Mama Bear wants her cub to head toward their den to prepare for the hibernation but Small Bear wants nothing to do with that. True to all small ones everywhere, he does not want a nap! He notices all the other animals scurrying around the forest, but Mama Bear assures him that they, too, are preparing for the long winter. All of them are seeking a safe, protected space where they will sleep through the winter. The rhyming text has a gentle pace that lulls readers as the bears head for their den. The illustrations reflect the changes from one season to the next. Fall colors dominate the first few pages but soon the snow begins to shape the landscape. By the time Mama and her cub arrive at their den, the trees and the forest floor are covered with snow and ice. Children will empathize with the cub's one last look at the falling snow and the promise that the spring will return with all its glory before they, too, will succumb to rest. VERDICT This soft, reassuring tale is ideal for teaching seasonal changes as well as the need for transitions.--Joan Kindig, James Madison Univ., Harrisonburg, VA

As winter approaches, a little bear tries to avoid hibernation. With cool winds blowing, skies graying, and geese honking farewell, Mama tells Small Bear, "It's time for bed." Watching Mouse scurry by, Small Bear asks, "If she's not sleeping, why must I?" Even Chipmunk's awake gathering nuts. Mama explains that Mouse is rushing to rest in her grass nest and Chipmunk's storing nuts before going to sleep. When Small Bear sees Skunk and Hare awake and romping together, Mama adds that soon Skunk will slumber underground and Hare will weather winter in a hollow log. Spying Badger and Old Racoon, Small Bear argues again to stay awake. Mama tells Small Bear that Badger and Racoon will also sleep soon. But Small Bear just doesn't want to hide inside all winter. Mama finally convinces Small Bear that bears need to sleep in winter so they can awaken to spring. Composed in rhyming couplets, the spare text evokes autumn's final days, preparations for winter hibernation, Small Bear's reluctance to accept hibernation, and Mama's patient responses. Simple, quiet illustrations executed in a soft, elegant, swirling style trace the transition from tawny autumn's bareness to early winter's silvery wonderland. Scenes of Mouse, Chipmunk, Skunk, Hare, Badger, Racoon, and, eventually, Small Bear and Mama snuggling safely inside their respective cozy winter dens should provoke useful parallels and opportunities for parents to cajole their little ones to sleep. Reassuring, inviting bedtime fare. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.