Jean E. Pendziwol's newest picture book is a lyrical meditation on
nature and hope.
The child in this story observes the sun by playing with her shadow,
though sometimes it disappears. She listens to the wind tell stories,
even when it howls like wolves. She tastes snowflakes -- sometimes sweet
and delicate; other times sharp on her cheeks. And finally, she finds
hope in the buds on a cherry tree that survive through the winter to
blossom in spring.
Jean E. Pendziwol has written a layered, lyrical exploration of the
hardships and beauties of nature. Her poem, beautifully illustrated by
Nathalie Dion, is a study in contrasts and a message of the hope that
carries us through the year and through our lives.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language
Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of
their central message or lesson.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or
appeal to the senses.