across snowy fields,
up the hill and into the forest.
Ooley had insisted
on wearing his bear suit.
He walked sloooowly
like a bear, swaying
from side to side.
"Wait for me," he said,
in his growly bear voice."
I am always thrilled to learn that Marie-Louise Gay has written a new book. What wonder for each of us! She never disappoints. I love the way she creates children who look like 'every child', fills her spreads with action, detail and imagination, and creates stories that I love to read out loud.
The three brothers in this new book are Finn, Leo and Ooley. They are adventurers, loving to be outside in the woods. Despite the overnight snow that blocks their door, they climb out the window with makeshift snowshoes and are on their way into the nearby forest. Their grandfather has mentioned that the woods were, at one time, rife with wildlife. Determined to see a wild animal while out exploring, they walk and walk.
Quietly, they weave their way between trees and over logs without seeing one animal. Reaching the top of the hill, they discuss that absence of wildlife. Grandpa has explained to them that climate change is to blame. The animals no longer have the food and water they need. Perhaps spring will be a better time for an animal-sighting expedition. Little do the boys know (readers do) that some animals they sense while walking are actually close by and watching them.
As kids are wont to do, they find their own fun in the snow. Creating snow animals alleviates their sadness. The final double-page spread shows the boys traipsing over the hill on their way home, leaving a lovely, snowy bunch of animals behind to bask in moonlight. The final wordless page is quietly beautiful. No doubt about it, it's a 'keeper'.
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