The winding willow

PreS-Gr 1--Return to a snow-filled, ethereal forest with a curious little mouse; reunite with Humbert Cumberbun in this follow-up to Hillenbrand's The Voice in the Hollow as he journeys home through the woods on a blustery winter day and has a run-in with a sinister owl. Thoughtful use of text, complemented by rich spreads and compelling sequential paneling, will entrance readers while they spot the woodland spirits guiding Hubert to safety. As the story unfolds, a frosty palette of whites and blues begins to blanket the charming illustrations, sacrificing contrast, making this adventure best suited for solo or lap reading. With a conclusion that is as enchanting as it is enigmatic, this story gives readers a chance to revisit Hubert's journey until spring's thaw. VERDICT A delightful addition to picture book collections, perfect for snuggling up and sparking imagination.--Bill Ives

Hubert Cumberbum, the tiny brown mouse introduced inThe Voice in the Hollow (2023), returns for another adventure told in Hillenbrand's singular storytelling style. While traveling through the snow, Hubert encounters a "curious-looking tree" that contains a selection of personal objects: his brother's "runaway shoe," his father's umbrella, and the house key. As Hubert climbs higher, gathering items, he meets the tree's lone inhabitant, a large owl who demands a snack. (Gulp.) Fantastical and a little spooky, the narrative will have readers on the edge of their seats. But…did it really happen? It's this conundrum that elevates the text to heights higher than a flying owl as readers debate whether Hubert actually imagined the events on his trek home. This is an excellent option for caregivers and educators looking to start a conversation about storytelling; readers seeking cozy but spooky fare will once again be in heaven. Hillenbrand's prose is matched by surreal illustrations that turn swirls of snow into menacing bears and tree limbs into bizarre, horned creatures. Those who love a cut-and-dried resolution may be disappointed by the ambiguity of the ending, but that's life; sometimes we get answers, but if we're truly lucky, we'll get a really good story. Hauntingly beautiful.(Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.