Raven, Rabbit, Deer

The young boy who narrates this story by Holler (Cold White Sun) spends a winter day with his grandfather, who, in English and Ojibwemowin, introduces his grandson to the animals they observe. The two spot tracks in the snow that look like "two hotdogs with two marshmallows in the middle." Grandpa knows them: "Rabbit," he tells the boy, "Waabooz." The child offers information, too: "I show Grandpa how to kick snow into the bit of water under the bridge." Following the two as they slowly explore, Holler records each new discovery: the animals and their names and footprints, and the human duo's prints, too. Acrylic and colored pencil artwork by debut illustrator Faria (Chippewas of Rama First Nation) startles with rich, startling winter sunset hues of fuschia, violet, and aqua. Grandfather and his grandson return home, share a snack, and settle down to read. "He falls asleep before the end," the boy says, before himself snuggling in. Holler's story gains from the interplay of dimensions: the affectionate relationship between the boy and his grandfather, the growing vocabulary they share, and their slow-paced appreciation of the natural world. Ages 4-7. (Nov.)

PreS-Gr 2--A young boy drops bright red boots into his grandfather's lap and suggests they take a walk outside. It is winter, so both bundle up for a trip through the snowy field behind their house. They view many animals: first a black raven, then a light-colored rabbit, and, finally, many brown deer, along with the tracks they have made in the snow. The grandfather imagines how each animal sounds. The text cleverly describes the snow prints in ways that a young child can understand. For example, the deer prints are "I love you hearts cut in two." The love between the boy and grandfather is evident in every action. Brilliant colors of the trees, animals, and characters contrast nicely with the white of the snow, and on several pages the late-day rainbow-colored sky is reflected on the ground. Whether or not children are close to their own elders, this beautiful picture book engages and delights. The grandfather points out animals in both English and Ojibwemowin; the illustrator is a member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. VERDICT An excellent addition to any school or public library, especially those looking to freshen up their picture book collections on the subject of winter.--Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State Univ., NH