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.
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
