A Little Bit Of Winter

Two forest friends approach Winter with seemingly different concerns in this charming picture-book from Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell, the author/illustrator team who also produced the middle-grade fantasy series, The Edge Chronicles. Rabbit, dreading the lonely days ahead, when Hedgehog is in hibernation, seeks reassurance; while Hedgehog, keenly conscious that he is missing out on an important season, has a favor to ask. In their different ways, they both want to be remembered...The first of several books to feature this "odd couple" - subsequent titles include The Birthday Presents, Rabbit's Wish and What Do You Remember? - A Little Bit of Winter is an endearing and humorous tale of friendship. From the opening page - Winter was coming. "I'll miss you," said Rabbit. "Will you miss me?" "No," said Hedgehog. "I'll miss you," said Rabbit. "I know," said Hedgehog, "You just told me." - to the closing passage ("Did you miss me...?"), I found myself chuckling at the two friends' interaction! The accompanying illustrations by Chris Riddell, whose artwork somehow always manages to be both cute and vaguely disquieting, were delightful. All in all, a book that young readers with a taste for animal tales will relish, and Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart fans will appreciate.

A little bit of winter is a cute little book that can teach students that have never seen snow what snow is like. It also has a great lesson in friendship even when a friend is not present.