FICTION

The Thing About Spring

by Daniel KIRK
illus. by Daniel Kirk. 32p. Abrams. 2015. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781419714924.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—Rabbit is grumpy. While his friends Bird, Mouse, and Bear extol the highlights of the changing season, Rabbit sees only the negative in warming temperatures. He's sad that winter is over and all the snow is melting. That means there will be no more snow forts or throwing snowballs or easily tracking his friends. For each criticism Rabbit voices, his buddies explain why the changes are positive: "'The thing about spring,' said Rabbit, 'is that it rains when you're not expecting it!' 'But rain brings out the flowers,' said Mouse. 'And the worms,' said Bird." Illustrations, created using pen and ink with their color and texture added digitally, are varied and pleasing. When Rabbit discovers that winter has left him one last gift, he finally smiles about the inevitable change.
VERDICT A fun and engaging addition to seasonal collections.
Reviewed by Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI
Animal friends debate the pros and cons of the changing seasons. Mouse and Bird are delighted with signs of spring, but Rabbit prefers snow and is slow to accept the change from winter. This cheery picture book with texture-rich, digitally colored pen-and-ink illustrations will help children think about how one season differs from the next and identify the hallmarks of winter and spring.
, Apr 01, 2015

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