Synopsis
Sleds sailing downhill on newly fallen snow, animals nestled deep in underground burrows, and families gathered hearthside to share the joys of the season are among the alphabet of cold-weather delights celebrated in 26 acrostic poems, alphabetically arranged. The colors and textures of winter—the cool blue of icy ponds and the golden glow of holiday candles—are gloriously captured in linoleum-cut illustrations. A companion volume to Autumn, Spring, and Summer, Winter rounds out the year of seasonal collaborations by Steven Schnur and Leslie Evans.
School Library Journal
Gr 1-4-A successful collaboration from the team that created Autumn (1997), Spring (1999), and Summer (2001, all Clarion). Schnur's 26 acrostic poems are arranged alphabetically. The linoleum-cut illustrations, like the poems, are simple and graceful. Evans uses thick, expressive lines and clear colors that look both vivid and soft; they match the peaceful, mindful mood of the verses. One quiet and lovely example is the verse for J (for Jewel): "Just as the/Evening lights come on,/White flakes begin falling/Earthward, glittering/Like diamonds." This is a book to savor and it will also have numerous classroom uses. Even children who don't love poetry often enjoy the puzzle quality of acrostics, and they may be inspired to create similar poems on their own. A welcome addition to all collections.-Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL