PLOT SUMMARY

Discover how animals of the north endure the cold in this book of poetry and illustration mixed with science concepts.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The illustrations by Rick Allen are a beautiful backdrop for Sidman’s poems. Each spread features a poem, a beautiful illustration, and scientific background information on the animal (or animals) featured in the poem. The imagery of cold winter invoked by words such as, “billow of white”, “heavy cloak of cold” and “beneath the winter sunshine” countered with “heart of fur, curled and cozy”, “we burn like a golden sun” and “find a roost that’s snug and tight” give the reader the feeling of finding a snug warm nest in the midst of the cold winter. The reader can become a snowflake as it drifts down to earth or kick and prance with a rascally moose or become a vole and scamper away from a fox. The author pairs Brother Raven and Sister Wolf and helps the reader understand which is which by using changes in font while showing their not-quite-symbiotic relationship in winter. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

KIRKUS review: “A work to be savored by young artists and scientists.”

SLJ review: “A handsome, persuasive, and authentic ambassador for creatures in their natural state.”

AWARDS: 2015 Claudia Lewis Poetry Award

CONNECTIONS

*Explore the habitats and coexistence of various animals of the tundra

*Other books of poetry about animals:

Sidman, J. DARK EMPEROR AND OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT. Ill by Allen, R. Clarion Books. 2010. ISBN 978-0547152288

Waters, F. SING A SONG OF SEASONS: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year. Ill. by Preston-Gannon, F. Candlewick Press 2018. ISBN 978-1536202472