  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 08/01/2016 *Starred Review* Caldecott Honor winners Rylant and Robinson collaborate in this visually stunning depiction of winter in Antarctica, but it’s really about winter fun anywhere. Five silhouetted penguins are intrigued by the many snowflakes they see through the window of their igloo—their clue that winter is coming. They excitedly dig through the winter clothes basket, selecting different colored mittens and scarves to match. Then socks. Then boots. Out they go to sled and stomach-slide into the deep snow, until Mama comes to rescue them. Then . . . off go scarves, boots, socks, and mittens. Now jammies, warm cookies, and sippies before they wrap up tight to watch the night. The simple text uses only one or two words on a page, and each double-page, full-bleed spread shows the action. Done in acrylic paint and cut-paper collage, the background of warm winter hues in deep blue and stark white sparkles with touches of colorful detail. The penguins’ playroom and bureau and snuggly beds are familiar environments for little ones. Young children will have fun matching the Arctic animals on the end papers and the colored accessories of the little birds as they go about their winter fun. Pair with Ezra Jack Keats’ classic The Snowy Day. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. School Library Journal - 10/01/2016 PreS—The first snowfall of the season is greeted with excitement by five playful penguins. After rooting through the clothes cupboard for coordinating ensembles ("Socks? One for each foot! What about boots? Red ones"), the siblings head outside. The spare, minimal text asks, "So, how's the snow?" As one penguin sinks down to his tummy, the succinct answer is "Very deep." After frolicking for awhile, they shiver: "Brrr. Let's go home." Outerwear is doffed, jammies are donned, and following a snack of warm cookies and "sippies," Mama tucks the quintet into bed. Cut-paper snowflakes float down in Robinson's fetching acrylic and collage illustrations. The charming penguins have teeny triangular feet, big round noggins, and rectangular bodies. Personalities shine through with the quizzical tilt of a head or an impetuous nosedive into a snowbank. Individuality is also expressed by each bird's penchant for apparel color. Whimsical details like fish-patterned curtains, a fish weather vane, and a mailbox at the tip of the iceberg add to the clever fun. VERDICT A splendid, wintry delight for little ones everywhere.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont., Canada - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. School Library Journal - 12/01/2016 PreS—Donning mittens, scarves, and boots, five little penguins ready themselves for a romp in the snow, then return inside to prepare for bed, with guidance from Mama. Robinson's utterly enchanting acrylic and collage illustrations, relying on blocky shapes, pair splendidly with Rylant's straightforward yet enthusiastic text, conveying the pure joy of a winter excursion as well as the simple pleasure of the familiar bedtime routine. - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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