Cozy Light, Cozy Night

PreS-Gr 1—Kleven takes readers on an appreciative, poetic trip through the seasons, starting with autumn. A family wakes up ready to enjoy the season, with cozy toes, cozy trees, cozy nuts, etc. The narrative moves through the joys of the year, until, after appreciating the Moon and Earth in the summer, the family is snuggling in bed at night. There really isn't a story here; the book is a celebration that is somewhat marred by a slightly bumpy text that relies a bit too heavily on the word "cozy." It's the illustrations that shine. Kleven's trademark bright colors, patterns, and minute details are in full evidence. The artist packs the pages with people living in the city, the country, and everywhere in between. The saturated colors bring the seasons fully alive and to the fore, and each page is a feast for the eyes, with details to keep children turning back repeatedly. The pictures subtly depict various religions and races, and the stained-glass, Chagall-esque sensibility draws the eye and the heart. Despite the uneven text, libraries looking for books on seasons, multiculturalism, celebrating life, or even Earth Day will find that this lovely title fits the bill.—Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT