Shelter
by Céline Claire (Author) Qin Leng (Illustrator)
As a big storm approaches, two strangers arrive in the forest. All the animal families, safe in their homes, are worried. They wonder, "What are they doing there? What do they want?" So, as the pair knocks at the door of one home after another asking for shelter, all the animals turn them away, leaving them to fend for themselves. But then an accident suddenly forces the fox family out into the snow and the wind, and the foxes find they must ask these outsiders for help. Will they find it in their hearts to give it?
Céline Claire's heartwarming picture book story delivers a timeless and timely message about the importance of kindness and generosity. With simple and evocative language, it explores how even small gestures can make a big difference to the strangers or outsiders in a community. Artist Qin Leng uses a warm, soft palette in her ink and watercolor illustrations creating a charming and inviting visual narrative that is perfect for young children.
This book provides a wonderful opportunity for discussions about being welcoming and helping others in need, including how children can put this into practice by reaching out to the "new kid" or the one who seems different. It also works well for character education lessons on kindness, caring and empathy.
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Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Qin Leng was born in Shanghai, China, and later moved to France and then Montreal, Canada. She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her twin sister and works as a designer and illustrator. Her books have been nominated for numerous prizes, including the prestigious Governor General's Literary Award.
JUV002110 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Foxes
Forest animals
Foxes
Kindness
