I saw a review for this earlier in the year, and have been waiting for it ever since. I'm happy to say that while it isn't what I expected, it is absolutely beautiful, an amazing message, and a delight to read and pore over the illustrations.
Winter is Coming
Tony Johnston, illustrated by Jim LaMarche (The Carpenter's Gift)
ISBN: 9781442472518
Breathtaking colored pencil, acrylic, and ink artwork is utterly entrancing. Beautiful.
This book is SOOOO PRETTY! The premise is pretty slim - a naturalist girl (armed with sketchpads, binoculars, and notebooks) heads out into the woods as fall changes to winter, watching and recording the behaviors and appearances of the animals as they prepare for the rough season ahead. Some of the thoughts and comments are a little bit stilted or odd, coming supposedly from a pre-pubescent narrator, but that is easily forgiven considering the underlying messages of peaceful observation, of awareness of the cycles and lives of animals in their natural habitats, and of conservation and protection.
But you guys, this book is flat out, drop dead, utterly breathtakingly heart-rendingly GORGEOUS. The colors, the girl in her varied outfits as the days pass by, the animals and birds, the sketchy but detailed woods and fields. Just makes my heart ache that I can't draw.
Unreservedly recommended.
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