The North Wind and the Sun

by David Dinwoodie Irving

The North Wind and the Sun are competing to see who the stronger. The Wind blows and blows. Leaves fall off trees, ships sink, the animals are frightened. Surely nothing can top this. But does the Sun know something the Wind doesn't?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1964

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gracefully told version of the classic fable in which the rivals try to get the cloak off the traveller. Good lesson for kids. Read it in some variation to yours. Choose this if you like Wildsmith's art: this is quite typical of his creativity.

[Sania Amjad]

good

[Alaina Sloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magically illustrated telling of this classic tale.

[Rodopa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story about the contest between the Wind and the Sun.

[Katie Voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fables in general, but this one is so creative. It meshes the thrill of a competition between two "creatures" (much like the Tortoise and the Hare) with a twist at the end, but adds in human characters which readers/listeners can connect to. This version in particular is wonderful because of the illustrations. The colors are vibrant but the designs and shapes are abstract, almost childlike, which allows smaller children to relate more to the pictures. I enjoyed how some pages had a solid-colored background, and others were a white background with more minimal illustrations. The contrast was very engaging, and the story not only has a lesson about healthy competition but also gives some information about the weather.

I plan on reading this book to some kids for a Story Time program next week, and I know they'll love it!

[Brenda Osten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this story in the 1st grade and it made a good impression with me. I don't remember talking about the moral of the story at that time; maybe we did. However, I just remember thinking that the author was trying to give us his idea about true strength... that it comes from getting someone to want to do the action for themselves... using the warmth of gentleness and love.... and that it doesn't come from trying to force someone to do what you would like them to do. Peace, Joy & Love my friends. :-)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely pictures, simple telling of Aesop's fable.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favs growing up.

[Rylan S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and clever