Review by Booklist Review
Fox and Hare have been together through their first spring, summer, and fall. Now, Bird tells them, winter's coming--and snow, though Bird doesn't explain what that is. Intrigued, they consult Bear, Caribou, and more, who varyingly highlight one characteristic ("Snow is white, like your fur"; "cold, like your noses"; "sparkly, like your eyes"). Throughout the woods, the pair make other discoveries, like flowers and clouds, but their lengthy quest for the still-elusive snow remains unfulfilled. Eventually, at nightfall, they decide it's bedtime, and as they sleep, "white, cold, fluffy, sparkly flakes . . . started to fall softly from the sky." The next morning, the snowy world brings excitement and frolicking, and their friends come guide them home, which is still snow-free, but perhaps not for long. Lovely, soft-textured illustrations depict animated Fox, Hare, and the other wildlife in densely detailed natural settings, spanning autumnal, earthy hues to wintry cool blues. With playful and lyrical touches, this enjoyable seasonal read also highlights the rewards of friendship and how curiosity can inspire and lead to unexpected delights and experiences.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Toddler-PreS--Best friends Fox and Hare, both of the arctic variety, have never seen snow. Born in the spring, the pair senses a change in the air. Bird, an arctic tern, informs them winter is on the way. "Soon you will be able to jump, leap, and bounce in this thing called snow!" Bear, Caribou, Salmon, and Goose all describe snow as white, cold, fluffy, and sparkly. Simple misidentification ensues. "Is that snow?" the friends ask when they see white flowers in the meadow, water spray in the stream, clouds in the sky, and stars reflected in the lake. Fox and Hare's search ends unsuccessfully as the day concludes and they seek shelter together in a nearby canoe. The friends are delighted to wake up to a "bright white morning like no other." Cozy digital illustrations use earthy tones and cut-outs for a folksy style. The illustrations are placed on full spreads without borders, but there is a Jan Brett-like snuggled-up vibe. The story, albeit thin, may be just the ticket for older toddlers transitioning to longer narratives. As the two friends search for something they have never seen before, preschoolers will enjoy being in on the secret. VERDICT Recommended as an optional purchase for the enchanting illustrations and a topic of endless childhood fascination.--Richelle Rose
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Two young friends have an adventure while learning what snow is. Though it's not necessarily sustained, the poetic opening sets the tone for the text: "Fox and Hare were born in the spring, / grew up in the summer, / and were the best of friends by autumn." One day, Bird drops down and tells the friends they'll soon be able to play in "this thing called snow," but the two don't know what that is. They set out to query Bear, Caribou, Salmon, and Goose. Each compares snow to something they already know: "Snow is white like your fur," Bear tells them, or "fluffy like your tails," according to Salmon. The day passes, and darkness lowers, and they are no closer to an answer or to home, so they curl up together…while gentle flakes fall around them. Bear and Caribou, who began to fear the friends were lost, discover them in the morning, and Fox and Hare delight in the snow as they lead the larger animals back home. Zommer's collagelike illustrations are full of marvelous textures and details in the rich and realistic colors of nature, and the wildlife depicted is more lifelike than cartoon. The one oddity is that Zommer depicts both eyes of each animal even in profile, leading to some peculiar appearances, especially for Goose and Salmon. (This book was reviewed digitally.) This will have young children thinking of their own comparisons for snow. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
