Billie and Bean in the mountains

In this third series title, originally published in Swedish, Billie, her pup, Bean, and Mom head to the snowy mountains. Mom says Billie's now old enough to ski, not just sled, so Billie joins other kids in learning how while Mom and Bean relax. Though she's daunted by the ski lift and slope, Billie nevertheless "snowplows the whole way," but Mom misses it! Inspired by a dogsledding poster and not eager to return to the lift, Billie literally ropes Bean into a dogsledding scheme, which they both enjoy. Until, that is, she tumbles off among some trees, ending up lost, frightened, and without Bean. But then a mysterious, glowing animal appears and guides her out. Colorfully detailed pencil-and-watercolor illustrations contain engaging detail, and little ones will enjoy looking for that glowing creature elsewhere in the scenes. Incorporating low-stakes drama, relatable experiences, and a touch of wonder, this ultimately reassuring story sympathetically portrays how facing fears and persevering through challenges isn't always easy but can lead to unexpected positive experiences, not to mention fun.

Billie experiences a moment of magic in the snow. Billie, Mom, and Bean, their round gray dog, ride the bus to the ski slopes. Last year, Mom pulled Billie in a sled, but this year, Billie's enrolled in ski school. Mom, ensconced in a chair on the ski lodge's porch with a warm mug and a blanket over her knees, "has been busy at work" and "needs to rest." Joined by Bean, she watches Billie but soon falls asleep. A cautious skier, Billie slowly snowplows all the way on her first run down. Back at the bottom of the slope, Billie doesn't want to ride the ski lift again. A poster about dog sledding gives Bean a clever idea, and she hitches Bean to a small toboggan. At first the ride is lovely, but Bean shakes free, and Billie finds herself in a snowdrift under the dark, snow-laden branches of the trees. The way out isn't apparent until a white-coated ermine leads the way. "How did you find your way back to the slope?" Billie's friend asks her on the bus home. "It's a secret," replies Billie. The simple story, translated from Swedish, captures the uncertainties and triumphs of childhood, all of which may seem small to adults but are larger-than-life to youngsters. The crisp yet gentle illustrations make terrific use of color and perspective. Billie and Mom are brown-skinned; theirs is a diverse community. Another just-right adventure with this appealing duo, sure to reassure and embolden the very young.(Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.