Der Fuchs streift durch den schneebedeckten Wald. Ihm knurrt der Magen und er hätte gern was zu fressen. Aber der Winter rückt freiwillig nichts raus ... Genauso geht es auch dem Raben und der Maus. Nur das Eichhörnchen ist guter Dinge, denn es hat sich einen Vorrat angelegt. Aber wo war das Versteck denn bloß? Bald zeigt sich: Zusammen ist man viel besser dran als allein. Daniela Kulots Bilder sind eine Liebeserklärung an den Winter, seine klaren Farben, die klirrende Kälte und das Knirschen von Schnee.
This is a beautifully illustrated story that will charm children and parents, as well.
A story of both the beauty of winter, but also the hardships on the animals living there, For Mouse, as she crawls from her hole hoping to find something to eat, she is so very hungry, but winter has its own agenda. Even the crow is so hungry, he'd settle for just a little, but it is winter. When Fox and Crow realize that Squirrel has very little food, but they try to convince him to share. But Squirrel won't share. So when Squirrel reaches into the hollow of a tree, he realizes nothing is there, then looks around and realizes that all the trees look the same.
This is a story about friendship, but also about how we should treat others as equals, and help those that we can.
A gorgeous children's book with stunning illustrations and a story about how several hungry creatures in winter benefit from a squirrel who shares his food. Loved it!
Great book about a stubborn squirrel that won’t share … until he can’t find his stash! He then asks some hungry animals if they will help him locate his food and he will then share with them. Illustrations were beautiful.
I’m of two minds on In the Winter Woods by Daniela Kulot (translated by Elisabeth Lauffer) as there seems to me to be a sizable gap between text and image in the book (a criticism complicated by it being in translation, so hard to know where the issue lies).
To begin with the positive, the illustrations throughout are lovely. Kulot brings a real luminescence to the titular woods. The landscapes often seem to glow with the snow-covered ground and white-clouded winter sky, occasionally lit even more by the rays of the sun. Truly, the settings are just beautiful. The pallet is understated for the most part, whites and soft grays and blues, with a few bright flashes of color via the reddish-brown squirrel and fox, who “pop” against the more muted background, and a few panels with a bright yellowish-orange sun casting a yellow light on the scene. The animals are cute, and Kulot does a nice job of subtly showing their emotions via facial expressions that are understated: anticipation or surprise, for instance. But while the characters are fine, the real star feature is those landscapes.
The text, as noted, was the weaker of the two main elements. It starts off OK, with each creature noting how hungry they are and how, sadly, “winter is not willing to share.”[ As a quick side note, parents might want to be ready for questions about if they’re so, so hungry, why fox doesn’t consider eating squirrel or mouse, given they would “gnaw on anything—maybe a tiny worm or a bone.”]. Some of their exclamations took me out of the story: “gosh-double-deer-dung-darn-it” or “holy hazelnuts.” As did some of the slips into language like “You must be kidding me.!” At other times, the opposite issue—some overly formal language—jarred. I also wished we had spent a little more time developing the story. When squirrel, who refused to share their stash at first, realizes they forgot where it was and needs the others to help him, their anger at suddenly being wooed because they’re needed is resolved too quickly, as is their search, which is over in just a few words. Finally, when they do find the stash and squirrel goes in after it, the story ends as one expects, with a change of heart and squirrel sharing with the others, which is certainly a good moral, but there may be a bit of confusion because at first the others hear “crunching and munching” from inside. Their assumption squirrel will not share turns out to be wrong of course, but it’s a moral somewhat diluted by squirrel choosing to eat some first before bringing out the rest of the stash to share.
Overall, while the text is relatively weak and the storyline doesn’t match its potential, the beautiful drawings more than make up for the flaws, so recommended albeit with the above caveats.
Book Review: In the Winter Woods by Daniela Kulot, Translated by Elizabeth Lauffer
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing In the Winter Woods, and it's an adorable children’s picture book that completely charmed me! The story revolves around Squirrel, who is a bit of a hoarder when it comes to his food stash. As winter sets in, Fox, Mouse, and Raven find themselves in a tough spot—hungry and searching for anything to eat. They hear Squirrel boasting about his secret food reserves and think they might get lucky if he shares a bit. But Squirrel is not about to part with his treasures, and before long, he forgets where he buried them!
What I loved about this book is its heartwarming message about compassion. In the end, it’s only through teamwork that all the animals manage to fill their empty bellies, reminding readers of the importance of sharing. The story will definitely resonates with the little ones, teaching valuable social-emotional lessons along the way.
Now, let’s talk about the illustrations—wow! They are absolutely gorgeous! Each animal is beautifully depicted, with unique personalities that really jump off the page. I found myself enchanted by the vibrant colors and details that bring the winter landscape to life. The text is short and engaging, making it perfect for younger readers.
However, I did notice a few parts where the flow felt slightly awkward, which might be attributed to translation nuances. That said, it doesn't detract too much from the overall experience. Whether you read it solo or share it with a little one, this book is sure to be a hit. It also makes a thoughtful gift for homeschoolers as it promotes sharing and kindness.
Overall, In the Winter Woods is a delightful read that leaves you feeling warm inside—just like a cozy winter day! I highly recommend it for anyone looking to add a lovely story to their collection.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
A big thanks to #NetGalley and #CharlesbridgePublishing for giving me the opportunity to read this e-ARC of #IntheWinterWoods!
(Review in Swedish down below)
It's winter and the animals are hungry. Except Squirrel, he has a stash of berries, nuts and mushrooms hidden in a safe place. If he only could remember where it was? Fox, Mouse and Crow offer to help Squirrel search, in one condition. Squirrel needs to share the food.
Nice story that encourages helping each other and sharing. Beautiful snow-filled illustrations in muted natural tones.
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Det är vinter och djuren i skogen är hungriga. Utom Ekorre, han har en hel hög med bär, nötter och svampar som han gömt på ett säkert ställe. Om han bara kunde komma ihåg var det var? Räv, Mus och Kråka erbjuder sig att hjälpa Ekorre att leta, men bara på ett villkor. Att Ekorre delar med sig av maten.
Fin saga som uppmanar till att hjälpas åt och att dela med sig. Härliga snöfyllda illustrationer i dämpade naturtoner.
Fox, Mouse, and Crow are hungry while Squirrel has a store of food whose location he cannot remember.
This picture book discusses resource sharing as a necessity for survival in harsh conditions.
Rather than being friends, Fox, Mouse, Crow, and Squirrel are more like colleagues or associates, which American readers who are used to all storybook characters either being friends or enemies may find difficult to understand.
I wasn't sure where this story was going. At first, it looked like an The Ant and the Grasshopper type moral, but it shifted into a 'help those who help you' moral.
In the Winter Woods is a super cute children's picture book that features a cast of animals trying to survive the winter whilst hungry. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous & I loved the personality that each animal was given. The text was short & engaging and focused on a message of sharing. I did feel like the squirrel only agreed to share because he wanted help & would have loved to see a little more personal growth there, but still a great message overall.
This is definitely one to pick up for the youngsters! Thanks to Daniela Kulot, Charlesbridge, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review! My thoughts and opinions are my own.
In the Winter Woods teaches children about working together to achieve a goal. Winter is here, and Mouse, Fox, and Raven need to fill their empty bellies with food. In the forest, squirrel is overheard talking about his nice stockpile of nuts, fruit, and mushrooms. In response to the three friends' request to share, he refuses and states that squirrels don't share. Squirrel rushes off to find his food, but when he cannot find it, he becomes anxious and realizes he needs assistance. Upon asking his friends for assistance, they ask if he plans to share it with them once it is found. What do you think Squirrel says? Do they all work together and fill their empty stomachs?
My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 15 October 2024 - publication day!
I really enjoyed this story and it had some great messages about sharing!
It is a great children's book that is well written and easy to follow and understand.
The story has some wonderful illustrations that work well with the story.
I liked the focus on teamwork and how they work together in the end - it is a positive read and I liked that the Squirrel changes his thinking as the book progresses and realises that working together and sharing is the way forward.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
I enjoyed the illustrations in this title especially the one of the little mouse looking out from under tree roots covered with snow. It was the text that did not flow well or was it the translation of the text as this title was first published in Germany in 2021 and in the United States in 2024. Late in the text as the animals are assisting squirrel in finding her stash of food, the text says together they went to look for the provisions, a term that seems rather out of place in a picture book and one I have not encountered recently while reading picture books as well as adult titles. Perhaps further editing needed to be done by the editors.
A big thank-you to Charlesbridge Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced read copy of this book! This adorable book by Daniela Kulot would make a wonderful addition to an elementary aged library. The story teaches about animals in the winter and the important lessons of sharing with those in need and the good that happens when we all work together. I recommend this wonderful picture book to elementary school teachers and parents with preschool and early elementary aged children. My six year old daughter enjoyed this read!
In all my years of teaching Kindergarten, sharing has always been one of the hardest concepts to teach. In some instances it comes easy, in others not so much. 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 is a lovely story set in a beautiful winter wonderland that goes a long way in demonstrating this very important concept. With its lovely illustrations and simple phrases, it is a book that young readers will enjoy. A lovely addition to any personal or classroom library.
It's deep winter and food is scarce in the snow-covered woods. The animals are hungry. One of them has some goodies squirreled away . . . but will he share his food?
I really liked the author's illustrations, particularly the way the animals stood out against the stark white backdrop.
Thanks to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the read.
This was adorable. Great for educators who teach the season or need a book on sharing. Great illustrations. Would make a fabulous shared read! I could see my third graders loving it. Great for ages pre-k - 3.
Fox, Mouse, and Raven are so hungry this winter. But squirrel refuses to share his stash. But when squirrel needs help, the friends come to his rescue. The illustrations are beautiful.
Don't think too hard about how the fox could've probably eaten that mouse as his snack 👀 It was adorable really, I just couldn't stop thinking about that (and probably the fox felt the same way?? jk)
Winter leaves the wooded creatures hungry. Overhearing whispers of the squirrel’s hidden stash, they gather, pleading for him to share. But will the squirrel offer his share of food? It is a perfect picture book to teach the importance of sharing and cooperation. Another reason to treasure this book is the beautiful illustrations, which bring its story to life in a way words alone cannot. Ideal for ages 3- 7.
Everyone is SO very hungry in winter but they are not yet willing to share. Squirrel knows he has a lovely stash but no matter where he looks, he can't find it. But there is an answer to the problem! The illustrations by the author are clear, colorful, and fun! Thanks to Elizabeth Lauffer for translating from the German. Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your public library! I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!
MVP dieses Buchs sind die eindrücklichen Illustrationen von kahlen Bäumen in schneebedeckter Landschaft, die sich auf jeder Seite in den Himmel recken. Die Figuren sind niedlich und erinnern mich vom Design ein wenig an Zdeněk Miler ("Der kleine Maulwurf"). Die Geschichte lässt sich prima vorlesen, hat einen schönen Spannungsbogen und ein nicht überraschendes aber freudiges Ende – sie hat nur ein Problem! Welcher Fuchs isst Beeren und Nüsse? Er hätte einfach Maus, Rabe und Eichhörnchen essen können und seine Hungerprobleme wären gelöst.
Zauberhafte Illustrationen, die sofort richtig kuschelige Winteratmosphäre schaffen und aus meiner Sicht kindgerechte Geschichte, die das Teilen und den Wert von Freundschaft und Zusammenhalt vermittelt. Ich freue mich schon drauf, das Buch in der Praxis auszuprobieren und bin sicher die niedlichen Tiere kommen bei den Kindern sehr gut an! ♥