Review by Booklist Review
In winter, rabbit, fox, and squirrel families awaken in their snug, well-furnished forest homes. Learning that a storm is brewing, the animals scurry about, making preparations as the wind picks up. Two strangers, bears in coats and mufflers, knock on their doors, asking to exchange some tea for a bit of warmth or food. All the wary adults turn the bears away, but Little Fox offers his lantern, which they gratefully accept. And when the foxes' roof begins to cave in, they escape to the bears' hollowed out snowbank, ask for shelter in exchange for cookies, and receive a warm welcome. Originally published in French, this picture book effectively contrasts the many timid animals with Little Fox, who empathizes with the strangers and apologizes that he has so little to offer. The simple narrative and its dialogue offer an appealing story with an implicit message, while the artwork adds its own beguiling charm. The illustrations, apparently ink drawings with watercolor washes, combine spontaneity and expression of line with restrained, woodland hues. A warm, winter picture book.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Woodland animals ready themselves for an approaching winter storm, but a little fox is concerned: "What if others are still outside?" he asks. He is right to worry. Soon two bear brothers come into sight with a bag of tea leaves and an entreaty to share food, shelter, warmth. They are turned away by animals who clearly have enough of whatever is requested, until the little fox rushes out to give them a lantern. Grateful and hopeful, the bears move on. The tables are turned when the fox family's shelter collapses and they are forced into the cold to seek shelter. The bears do not hesitate to share their cozy snow berm and the light of the lantern. (In a bit of literary license, the bears have got hot water and mugs for tea.) Claire writes in spare prose elegantly translated from French and Leng's loose pen-and-ink drawings capture the mood of the story while offering lovely little woodland details. The messages of compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness are interwoven, if a little muddled. Young readers will have an opportunity to see all the sides of the experience-the stranger in search of shelter, the animals protecting themselves against danger, the compassionate little fox, and the closed circle of the ending. VERDICT An excellent conversation starter about the vagaries of life and our responsibilities to one another. Recommended as a strong purchase.-Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Two bundled-up bear brothers seek shelter from a blizzard. The other animals, ensconced in their comfortable homes, refuse to house the strangers, but a young fox takes pity and gives them a lantern. The bears build a humble snow shelter, and when the fox family's home collapses, Little Fox's generosity is repaid. Expressive pen-and-ink and watercolor drawings deepen this quiet fable, translated from the French. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In the woods, families of animals awaken and are eating breakfast when the birds bring news of a winter storm approaching, which spurs them into action gathering food and supplies.After a full day of gathering, the animals are all safe in their homes. The winds pick up as two strangers walk into the clearing, a tall one and a small one: two bears in need of shelter. The families inside watch as they come near, wondering who they are and what they want. They knock on each door, offering tea in exchange for warmth, food, light, but each family says they don't have enough to spare and turns them away. They plan to hunker down near a hill when they hear Little Fox behind them. He brings them a lantern, and they're grateful for the kindness as the snow falls, soon covering the woods. Little Fox's kindness is returned when danger comes to the fox den, and his family is spared a terrible fate thanks to the strangers in need. Claire's prose is rhythmic and gentle, with enjoyable repetition and memorable lines that lend themselves to being read aloud. Leng's earth-toned watercolors and light strokes of pen and ink have a wonderful messiness about them, and her clothed, anthropomorphic animals are drawn more gesturally than the rounded cartoony look found in many picture books. Claire and Leng have created a beautiful tale that reads like a fable to teach giving and kindness, with artwork that warms up as its characters do. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
