by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Ted Lewin

You’re just never too young or old for a good picture book! Some picture books are so beautifully written and illustrated that they’re like works of art to hold in your hands and share. Marion Dane Bauer has created a story of winter’s end and spring’s arrival. All the creatures in the forest long for spring, but their efforts can’t wake the sun. Only the tiny chickadee can wake the sun with its simple song. I was amazed to read that artist Ted Lewin created all the winter scenes by using just three shades of blue, brown, and green. This makes the arrival of spring, painted in rich warm colors, even more satisfying at the end of the book. I hope this book wins a Caldecott Medal this year, because it’s definitely one to bring home for bedtime story.

reviewed by Victoria