School Library Journal Review

Gr 1-4-In this mythlike tale, Lady Winter covers her Sister with a cold white blanket to prevent her from waking and ushering in spring. "A perfect world would be cold and white every day of the year," she muses. After witnessing Winter's actions, Robin seeks the animals' help to rouse Sister Spring. The creatures, from powerful Bear to tiny Ladybug, give it a try, and the punishments they receive from Lady Winter for their unsuccessful efforts result in their characteristic trademarks: Bear's winter sleep, Caterpillar's wrappings, Ladybug's spots, Skunk's white stripe-even Maple Tree's running sap. When Robin must fly close to the sun to capture the morning light that eventually wakes Spring, the intense heat turns his "plain brown belly [into] a bright orange-red." Ceccoli's lovely acrylic paintings include vignettes, full-page pictures, spreads, and varying perspectives to depict the sharp contrast between winter and spring. Lady Winter, dressed in icy blue, her silvery braid flowing behind her, surveys her frozen landscape, tinged pink by waning winter sun. She looms over little Caterpillar and Ladybug, and appears as tiny as a doll when facing Maple Tree. Sister Spring, her reddish brown curls spread across a vine-covered pillow, sleeps covered by a green blanket in a yellow bed. The spread of a world come alive with endless green, flowers, and playful animals helps readers experience the joys of the new season. Pair this story with a reading of Demeter and Persephone.-Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.