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Only the Trees Know
A frustrated little rabbit longs for spring in this gentle, warmhearted story about waiting.
Little Rabbit is hungry, bored and very tired of winter. “When will it be spring?” he asks his parents. All they can tell him is that he must wait and be patient. Except, Little Rabbit doesn't like waiting, or being patient. Instead, he turns to the oldest, wisest rabbit in the forest, his grandmother, to find out when it will be spring. “Only the trees know,” she says. “Ask them, and they will tell you.” So Little Rabbit does. But the trees don't answer him. He tries shouting, jumping up and down, listening very hard. And still, nothing. Then, just when Little Rabbit is about to give up, he notices there's something different in the forest, something that's right underneath his nose ...
Author Jane Whittingham's message of finding hope and patience in trying times is always a relevant one for children. The lyrical depictions of the forest in winter --- “The winds blew and bit, the trees shivered and shook, and the snow fell and fell” --- give this book the feel of a classic. Cinyee Chiu's lush illustrations in muted shades evoke a magical wintery world, and their varied perspectives perfectly showcase Little Rabbit's place in his world.
This book offers excellent character education lessons on patience, perseverance and resilience. Young readers will be rooting for Little Rabbit, easily relating to his impatience. It's the perfect read-aloud for a late-winter day, or anytime children are finding it hard to wait.
Little Rabbit is hungry, bored and very tired of winter. “When will it be spring?” he asks his parents. All they can tell him is that he must wait and be patient. Except, Little Rabbit doesn't like waiting, or being patient. Instead, he turns to the oldest, wisest rabbit in the forest, his grandmother, to find out when it will be spring. “Only the trees know,” she says. “Ask them, and they will tell you.” So Little Rabbit does. But the trees don't answer him. He tries shouting, jumping up and down, listening very hard. And still, nothing. Then, just when Little Rabbit is about to give up, he notices there's something different in the forest, something that's right underneath his nose ...
Author Jane Whittingham's message of finding hope and patience in trying times is always a relevant one for children. The lyrical depictions of the forest in winter --- “The winds blew and bit, the trees shivered and shook, and the snow fell and fell” --- give this book the feel of a classic. Cinyee Chiu's lush illustrations in muted shades evoke a magical wintery world, and their varied perspectives perfectly showcase Little Rabbit's place in his world.
This book offers excellent character education lessons on patience, perseverance and resilience. Young readers will be rooting for Little Rabbit, easily relating to his impatience. It's the perfect read-aloud for a late-winter day, or anytime children are finding it hard to wait.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 6, 2022
36 people want to read
About the author
Jane Whittingham
10 books7 followersJane Whittingham is a picture book author, librarian, blogger and all-around book lover. She is passionate about cats, tea, sushi and travel. She is the author of Animals Move (2022), Wild About Camping (2022), Only the Trees Know (2022), Bear Has a Belly (2022), Queenie Quail Can't Keep Up (2019), A Good Day for Ducks (2018) and Wild One (2017). You can catch up with Jane at her website, www.raincitylibrarian.ca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 16, 2022
I can actually totally relate to the rabbit - this last winter felt long and gray and cold, and seeing the first green leaves felt like a reason for celebration. The rabbit’s yearning for it to be spring and warm so he can play with his friends was done well.
The metaphor was also spot on. This is a story of things happening in their own time, and even when the wait feels too long, even when you start losing hope, everything can change in a moment.
I liked this book. I liked the little rabbit, how impatient but full of hope he seemed. I loved the illustrations, the lovely, dreamy pastel colors. And the story overall. I only hope the kids will be as invested.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Only the Trees Know by Jane Whittingham in exchange for an honest review.
The metaphor was also spot on. This is a story of things happening in their own time, and even when the wait feels too long, even when you start losing hope, everything can change in a moment.
I liked this book. I liked the little rabbit, how impatient but full of hope he seemed. I loved the illustrations, the lovely, dreamy pastel colors. And the story overall. I only hope the kids will be as invested.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Only the Trees Know by Jane Whittingham in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2022
There are a lot of picture books that anthropomorphize animals that I don't like. Too silly, too jokey, to much like humans in animal clothing. But here the rabbit, even though it talks to its parents and is questioning, seems like a rabbit. And don't we humans too long for spring when winter is on us? (At least we in Canada do.) There is a nice lesson here about listening to nature that is properly part of the story. The illustrations are lovely, hushed with winter, the rabbit both realistic and adorable.
I do wonder at the decision not to depict spring at the end of the book. I like the ending but I wouldn't be surprised if many children were a little frustrated not to see the rabbit getting to enjoy the new season. No doubt this was a decision much considered, however, and I nod to the wisdom of the makers of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
I do wonder at the decision not to depict spring at the end of the book. I like the ending but I wouldn't be surprised if many children were a little frustrated not to see the rabbit getting to enjoy the new season. No doubt this was a decision much considered, however, and I nod to the wisdom of the makers of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
May 10, 2022
An appealing look at how spring always comes after winter – which I guess can be taken metaphorically as well as literally – and how we should go about waiting for things. A young rabbit is impatient for spring (the adults have to ask if he's that young, how can he actually remember spring?!) but instead of sitting idle for the weeks and months it takes to turn up, he proactively does what he's told and asks the trees when the change will happen. And because he's been doing something – lo and behold, it feels like no time at all. Plus, of course, the budding foliage was the first sign he was going to get of winter's end, after all. It's a calm story, for all the (well-done) shenanigans the rabbit gets up to, and portrayed really quite well by the artist. Will it be read time and again? Perhaps not, but four stars for what it can bring.
November 1, 2025
totally love Cinyee Chiu’s illustrations
September 2, 2022
I was immediately drawn to this book because of the cover (I know, I know..)
Only the Trees Know by Jane Whittington is a beautifully illustrated book about the changes of the seasons, seen from the viewpoint of an impatient young rabbit. The small rabbit spends his days pestering everyone he can, asking when winter will come. Over and over he is told by both his parents that he will know when, and that he just had to be patient. When he asks his grandmother, she tells him that only the trees know when the spring will come, and he must be patient.
The small rabbit goes into the forest, but try as he might he is unable to get the attention of the tall, silent, snow covered trees. Finally giving up, and worn out from his endeavors, the rabbit curls up and sleeps at the foot of the trees. When he awakes he discovers the start of plants growing through the snow and the return of song birds, finally understanding what his family had been telling him all along.
The illustrations in the book were so beautiful, and the story teaches younger readers about patience. Highly recommended! 5/5
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review this title, releasing 09/06/22!
Only the Trees Know by Jane Whittington is a beautifully illustrated book about the changes of the seasons, seen from the viewpoint of an impatient young rabbit. The small rabbit spends his days pestering everyone he can, asking when winter will come. Over and over he is told by both his parents that he will know when, and that he just had to be patient. When he asks his grandmother, she tells him that only the trees know when the spring will come, and he must be patient.
The small rabbit goes into the forest, but try as he might he is unable to get the attention of the tall, silent, snow covered trees. Finally giving up, and worn out from his endeavors, the rabbit curls up and sleeps at the foot of the trees. When he awakes he discovers the start of plants growing through the snow and the return of song birds, finally understanding what his family had been telling him all along.
The illustrations in the book were so beautiful, and the story teaches younger readers about patience. Highly recommended! 5/5
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review this title, releasing 09/06/22!
November 9, 2022
I’ve attended School Library Journal’s Picture Book Palooza (held over the summer) twice now, and I am a big fan. I can attend during the day because it’s summer, and I find lots of beautiful picture books to share with friends and family for the holidays, and of course the blog! in the intervening months. I always have my eye out for beautiful illustrations, and that is what drew me to Jane Whittingham and Cinyee Chiu’s picture book Only the Trees Know.
The pages of Only the Trees Know are full of a Little Rabbit impatient for spring. He longs for soft grasses and friends (a bird flown south for winter and a squirrel in its den) to come back and play. When the Little Rabbit asks his parents when spring will come, they say “be patient.” Well! That is something neither small children nor Little Rabbits like being told! So Little Rabbit goes to his wise grandmother, and she advises him to ask the trees, because only they know. Thus, Little Rabbit begins an asking campaign. The trees don’t answer the first time, so Little Rabbit tries changing his physical presence, altering his listening skills, and being louder and trying different sounds. In the end, the trees provide their own signs and voice, and Little Rabbit learns to hear them.
Little Rabbit is of course an anthropomorphized figure – the stand-in for the child being read to, who might think the same way and ask the same sorts of questions about winter. It’s charming here, rather than false, and I think that is down to the author’s way with words. The text is poetic, especially on the opening page, and when describing snow and wind: with alliteration, personification, and repetition. Whittingham does not rhyme, but there are several poetic devices throughout. There’s child appeal not just in the art and cadence of the text, but in Little Rabbit’s jumping about, raising and lowering his voice, and trying different listening techniques.
Cinyee Chiu’s art is full of gorgeous brush strokes, and many shades of white and winter. I particularly liked the landscape spreads, with their imprecise snowflakes – they gave the impression of looking through the forest into the scene of the story. Chiu’s medium is gouache and pastel, finished in Photoshop. Chiu makes terrific use of perspective, from treetop height down, and from ground level up to the sky. The only thing about the book design I didn’t love? The title font. And that’s out of sight as soon as you turn a page.
In all, Only the Trees Know is a more active than meditative take on seasonal change, and the perfect book to share with a child impatient for sunny days and playgrounds once more.
Recommended for: fans of Over and Under the Snow, anyone looking for beautifully-illustrated picture books about the seasons, and for nondenominational winter storytimes.
The pages of Only the Trees Know are full of a Little Rabbit impatient for spring. He longs for soft grasses and friends (a bird flown south for winter and a squirrel in its den) to come back and play. When the Little Rabbit asks his parents when spring will come, they say “be patient.” Well! That is something neither small children nor Little Rabbits like being told! So Little Rabbit goes to his wise grandmother, and she advises him to ask the trees, because only they know. Thus, Little Rabbit begins an asking campaign. The trees don’t answer the first time, so Little Rabbit tries changing his physical presence, altering his listening skills, and being louder and trying different sounds. In the end, the trees provide their own signs and voice, and Little Rabbit learns to hear them.
Little Rabbit is of course an anthropomorphized figure – the stand-in for the child being read to, who might think the same way and ask the same sorts of questions about winter. It’s charming here, rather than false, and I think that is down to the author’s way with words. The text is poetic, especially on the opening page, and when describing snow and wind: with alliteration, personification, and repetition. Whittingham does not rhyme, but there are several poetic devices throughout. There’s child appeal not just in the art and cadence of the text, but in Little Rabbit’s jumping about, raising and lowering his voice, and trying different listening techniques.
Cinyee Chiu’s art is full of gorgeous brush strokes, and many shades of white and winter. I particularly liked the landscape spreads, with their imprecise snowflakes – they gave the impression of looking through the forest into the scene of the story. Chiu’s medium is gouache and pastel, finished in Photoshop. Chiu makes terrific use of perspective, from treetop height down, and from ground level up to the sky. The only thing about the book design I didn’t love? The title font. And that’s out of sight as soon as you turn a page.
In all, Only the Trees Know is a more active than meditative take on seasonal change, and the perfect book to share with a child impatient for sunny days and playgrounds once more.
Recommended for: fans of Over and Under the Snow, anyone looking for beautifully-illustrated picture books about the seasons, and for nondenominational winter storytimes.
September 11, 2022
This is a wonderful book about waiting patiently and discovering that many things take time to come to fruition.
An adorable little rabbit can't wait until Spring. He is tired and bored and misses sunny days and playing with his friends. His parents tell him to wait and be patient but little rabbit wants Spring now. He seeks out the oldest, wisest rabbit in the forest, his grandma and she tells him to ask the trees. Off he goes to do so.
The trees remain silent which frustrates the bunny. He tries everything possible to get them to respond: shouting, jumping up and down, and listening very hard but to no avail. Exhausted he plops down and nestles into the roots of a tree to have a little rest. When he wakes up he finally gets the answer he has been searching for.
The illustrations are beautiful...whimsical, magical and flowing. The themes running through the book are: patience, perseverance and resilience. Both children (and adults) find it hard to wait so it's a lovely life lesson to be learned early on. The book is a perfect read-aloud in late winter as everyone longs for the sun and the freedom and fun that warm weather brings. I love the book and highly recommend it.
An adorable little rabbit can't wait until Spring. He is tired and bored and misses sunny days and playing with his friends. His parents tell him to wait and be patient but little rabbit wants Spring now. He seeks out the oldest, wisest rabbit in the forest, his grandma and she tells him to ask the trees. Off he goes to do so.
The trees remain silent which frustrates the bunny. He tries everything possible to get them to respond: shouting, jumping up and down, and listening very hard but to no avail. Exhausted he plops down and nestles into the roots of a tree to have a little rest. When he wakes up he finally gets the answer he has been searching for.
The illustrations are beautiful...whimsical, magical and flowing. The themes running through the book are: patience, perseverance and resilience. Both children (and adults) find it hard to wait so it's a lovely life lesson to be learned early on. The book is a perfect read-aloud in late winter as everyone longs for the sun and the freedom and fun that warm weather brings. I love the book and highly recommend it.
August 19, 2022
Only the Trees know is a simple story with a nice lesson at the core. Late in winter young rabbit has grown tired of the cold and wind, the lack of friends who have either migrated or are hibernating. Impatient for spring, he asks his parents and then his grandmother when winter will be over. His parents say spring will come “in its own time,” but his grandmother tells him only the trees know and to ask them. The trees, though, don’t seem to hear him when he tries to get their attention. But as he rests quietly, he starts to notice small things—the smell of soil. The sounds of birdsong, the hit of a bud on a limb.
The language is simple and sometimes a but familiar, such as calling snow a blanket, but that’s obviously less of an issue with children’s books. It has a nice rhythm often, and makes use of a lot of doubling. The lesson of waiting patiently is a good one for small children, as is the idea of being open to the little things around you. The illustrations are clean and uncluttered and softly colored, and the winter scenes especially early on are lovely. Simple, as noted, but a good read aloud.
The language is simple and sometimes a but familiar, such as calling snow a blanket, but that’s obviously less of an issue with children’s books. It has a nice rhythm often, and makes use of a lot of doubling. The lesson of waiting patiently is a good one for small children, as is the idea of being open to the little things around you. The illustrations are clean and uncluttered and softly colored, and the winter scenes especially early on are lovely. Simple, as noted, but a good read aloud.
July 17, 2024
Little rabbit is tired of winter, he wants to know when spring will return. He asks his parents who say they do not know. He asks his grandmother who tells him to ask the trees. They will know when spring will return. Little rabbit asks the trees but doesn't hear the answer, so he shouts and he cries and still no answer. Soon he falls asleep at the base of the tree where he wakes up to a familiar smell. He then hears a songbird that has been missing for the season. Then he notices the buds on the trees. He asks the trees one more time and they respond soon. This lovely sweet story talking about the change in seasons will delight readers of all ages. The story is short and lyrical. The illustrations are soft and soothing to the eye. The gouache and pastel drawings evoke the feel of winter transitioning into spring. I would recommend the purchase of this picture book to most picture book collections especially ones that need more seasonal books. It talks about the transition from the point of view of a forest animal without being overly anthropomorphic. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
August 23, 2022
Little Rabbit wants to play in the meadows and eat grass, so he can't wait for spring! His grandmother tells him that only the trees know when spring will come, so Little Rabbit sets out to try to ask them. He's frustrated at first but eventually learns how to listen to how the trees are answering him.
This picture book has absolutely gorgeous illustrations. They were so beautiful I almost wished it was winter, but I think it would be hard to find the same glorious shades of blue and gray that depict the winter scenes in this book. I love how that rabbits almost match the snow like in real life, and I would gladly use the tree images in a wallpaper.
This book is a lovely option to teach children about patience and seasons. While Little Rabbit learns about the early signs of spring from the trees, little ones can also learn how to spot those signs. The book has a lot of words at times for a picture book, making it a great option for a read-aloud while waiting for spring or at any other time of year.
This picture book has absolutely gorgeous illustrations. They were so beautiful I almost wished it was winter, but I think it would be hard to find the same glorious shades of blue and gray that depict the winter scenes in this book. I love how that rabbits almost match the snow like in real life, and I would gladly use the tree images in a wallpaper.
This book is a lovely option to teach children about patience and seasons. While Little Rabbit learns about the early signs of spring from the trees, little ones can also learn how to spot those signs. The book has a lot of words at times for a picture book, making it a great option for a read-aloud while waiting for spring or at any other time of year.
November 9, 2022
Here’s a hopeful read to enjoy along with your other winter favourites!
The soft, muted palette and the blue-greys of the wintery woods of the beautiful illustrations mimic the feel of the long cold. There is a rhythm and poetry to the sentences that reminds the reader of the beauty of winter. And, as spring returns, so too the bright colours of this new season.
Only The Trees Know is a book about waiting and about there being a time for everything in nature. This is a sweet story about a snowy white bunny, who is full of energy and curiosity, and who is very ready for spring to return. When he eventually smells the “warm scent of soil spilling out from between the tree’s cold, tangled roots,” where he had given up waiting and simply took a winter’s nap, he experiences the feeling of promise that comes with spring and the sight of green buds, however tiny, on the trees.
This is such a sweet book—a nature read, a story of hope and a lesson in patience—that I look forward to enjoying with my girls all winter long. Thank you to Kids Can Press for gifting it to my family.
The soft, muted palette and the blue-greys of the wintery woods of the beautiful illustrations mimic the feel of the long cold. There is a rhythm and poetry to the sentences that reminds the reader of the beauty of winter. And, as spring returns, so too the bright colours of this new season.
Only The Trees Know is a book about waiting and about there being a time for everything in nature. This is a sweet story about a snowy white bunny, who is full of energy and curiosity, and who is very ready for spring to return. When he eventually smells the “warm scent of soil spilling out from between the tree’s cold, tangled roots,” where he had given up waiting and simply took a winter’s nap, he experiences the feeling of promise that comes with spring and the sight of green buds, however tiny, on the trees.
This is such a sweet book—a nature read, a story of hope and a lesson in patience—that I look forward to enjoying with my girls all winter long. Thank you to Kids Can Press for gifting it to my family.
June 16, 2022
Only the trees know
This is a children’s book and speaks about an impatient little rabbit wanting it to be spring. The story is short and teaches patience. The little rabbit is tired of winter but can’t get an answer as to when it will be over, his grandmother tells him that only the trees know. So he asks the trees and waits for a response but he is but a little rabbit, and they can’t see him, he has a little voice so they can’t hear him, and he has small ears so he doesn’t hear them. After some time there is an answer and the little rabbit is happy.
I think this book is great for smaller children up to about 2nd grade. Many are impatient and want things in a hurry but this story shows them that they will get their answers if they wait patiently.
I received this copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This is a children’s book and speaks about an impatient little rabbit wanting it to be spring. The story is short and teaches patience. The little rabbit is tired of winter but can’t get an answer as to when it will be over, his grandmother tells him that only the trees know. So he asks the trees and waits for a response but he is but a little rabbit, and they can’t see him, he has a little voice so they can’t hear him, and he has small ears so he doesn’t hear them. After some time there is an answer and the little rabbit is happy.
I think this book is great for smaller children up to about 2nd grade. Many are impatient and want things in a hurry but this story shows them that they will get their answers if they wait patiently.
I received this copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2022
Little Rabbit is tired of the long, cold winter. He wants to have green grass to play with his friends. He asks his parents when spring will come and they tell him he has to wait and be patient. But Little Rabbit is not good at waiting or being patient. He asks his grandmother, who is the oldest and wisest rabbit in the forest, "When will spring come?" Grandmama tells him that only the trees know and he must ask them. This is a fun little book with a cute storyline and Cinyee Chiu's illustrations are interesting even though all are wintry white. Rabbit's antics should appeal to young readers and the message of patience should appeal to their parents. Little ones will learn about the changing of seasons and the notion that spring always comes is an uplifting one. Sweet, fun book. Thank you to Jane Whittingham, Kids Can Press, and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 22, 2022
My kid had a fun time with this one! Thanks to Kids Can Press for the ARC of this lovely rabbit book to feed her bunny obsession.
Little Rabbit wants to know when Spring will come. She likes the snow, but misses her hibernating friends. Grandmother Rabbit says only the trees know when Spring will come. So how do you ask a tree a question? And how do you hear its answer?
A lot of great active bunny images! Jumping, shouting, dancing. The artist had a great time here. There's a realistic roundness to Little Rabbit, and a bit of fur detail, without going to full realism. And the artist managed to draw rabbit eyes without getting unnerving (as rabbit eyes can be...brrr).
This book releases when Fall is just starting, and so maybe not the BEST timing for a book about the end of winter. But keep it in mind for a talk about the changing of the seasons, come February!
Little Rabbit wants to know when Spring will come. She likes the snow, but misses her hibernating friends. Grandmother Rabbit says only the trees know when Spring will come. So how do you ask a tree a question? And how do you hear its answer?
A lot of great active bunny images! Jumping, shouting, dancing. The artist had a great time here. There's a realistic roundness to Little Rabbit, and a bit of fur detail, without going to full realism. And the artist managed to draw rabbit eyes without getting unnerving (as rabbit eyes can be...brrr).
This book releases when Fall is just starting, and so maybe not the BEST timing for a book about the end of winter. But keep it in mind for a talk about the changing of the seasons, come February!
August 24, 2022
Only the Trees Know
4 Stars
This is a beautifully illustrated picture book. The text is clear, legible, and allows the artwork to shine. I appreciate the simple drawing style and muted color palette. I selected this book because I find myself sympathizing with Little Rabbit when the winter months seem so long; I find myself wishing for spring too. I'd recommend this book for a child's quiet time or would make a good bedtime story. It's enjoyable but a calm read. It's a lovely story with educational tidbits thrown in.
Overall, this is a thoughtfully made book, and it shows. Thank you, NetGalley and Kids Can Press, for an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
4 Stars
This is a beautifully illustrated picture book. The text is clear, legible, and allows the artwork to shine. I appreciate the simple drawing style and muted color palette. I selected this book because I find myself sympathizing with Little Rabbit when the winter months seem so long; I find myself wishing for spring too. I'd recommend this book for a child's quiet time or would make a good bedtime story. It's enjoyable but a calm read. It's a lovely story with educational tidbits thrown in.
Overall, this is a thoughtfully made book, and it shows. Thank you, NetGalley and Kids Can Press, for an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2022
*thank you to Netgalley, Kids Can Press and Jane Whittingham for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars.
Such an adorable book! The little rabbit is so eager for Spring to start and patience isn't little rabbit's strongest trait. Which I believe a lot of us can relate to.
The illustrations in this are absolutely gorgeous. They have a softness and gentleness to them that perfectly matches the story. The colouring and style used in the rabbits features is outstanding. It makes this also work as a book to pick up just to look at the pictures. So if a child can't read yet on their own, the illustrations alone make this book worth picking up.
If you love cute little rabbit stories, then I recommend this.
4 stars.
Such an adorable book! The little rabbit is so eager for Spring to start and patience isn't little rabbit's strongest trait. Which I believe a lot of us can relate to.
The illustrations in this are absolutely gorgeous. They have a softness and gentleness to them that perfectly matches the story. The colouring and style used in the rabbits features is outstanding. It makes this also work as a book to pick up just to look at the pictures. So if a child can't read yet on their own, the illustrations alone make this book worth picking up.
If you love cute little rabbit stories, then I recommend this.
August 21, 2022
This picture book tells the story of a little rabbit who can’t wait for winter to end and for spring to come. He asks many other rabbits when spring will come and even the trees, but one day the wind (the trees) whispers soon. The text is fairly large and is clean and easy to read. This book is filled with beautiful illustrations and I could definitely see myself using this as an inspiration for winter art. As a grade 3 teacher, I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the 4-8 age range. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
September 5, 2022
Little Rabbit is tired of winter. He misses nibbling on yummy grass and playing with his friends. He asks his grandmother when spring will finally come, and she tells him that only the trees know. He tries to ask the trees, but finds the answer doesn't come in the way he expects.
This is a very cute, sweet book that would make a lovely wind-down for young children. It's soft and quiet and has soothing, adorable illustrations. Kids can definitely relate to being impatient for things to come and may find the message reassuring. Definitely give this a try for a bedtime snuggle!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
This is a very cute, sweet book that would make a lovely wind-down for young children. It's soft and quiet and has soothing, adorable illustrations. Kids can definitely relate to being impatient for things to come and may find the message reassuring. Definitely give this a try for a bedtime snuggle!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
June 5, 2023
Absolutely loved this book for my littles! I almost never rate or review books on here but I highly recommend this one. It was stocked at the local library, I grabbed it on a whim and after reading it I want a copy for our home. Little Rabbit is anxiously awaiting spring and wise grandma tells him to ask the trees. To be honest I thought the book would be woo but the story is all about using the senses to see, hear, and smell the first signs of spring. Kept both kids' attention and I'm surprised this edition doesn't mention any awards. Really great book for kids and enjoyable to read out loud. Don't skip this gem!
November 17, 2022
This was a little on the texty side for my preschool storytimes, but I liked the structure of the story. Rabbit's mother tells little rabbit that only the trees will know when spring is coming, so rabbit tries everything to get them the trees' attention--shouting at them, waving around, listening to their trunks. At the end he takes a nap by the roots and when he wakes up, notices small natural clues that indicate spring is on it's way. I like the message about being observant in the outdoors. It would be fun to mimic rabbit's actions in a storytime setting, too.
September 20, 2022
For some reason, the text didn't seem to fit the very serious illustrations. It's a cute, simple story; a rabbit impatiently awaits the arrival of spring. But the text made it seem like it could be more appealing to young readers if the illustrations were perhaps more comical and endearing? They're definitely beautiful, but just don't fit right with a story that seems so simple and sweet.
January 26, 2024
The illustrations have a nice perspective but I did not like the winter-bashing. Hating winter is for boring adults, I do not want to suggest that type of idea to my child. Winter is a beautiful time for play and coziness- not a time to complain and wait for Spring to start. So it's a no from me... dawg (or bunny in this case).
August 19, 2022
A lovely and soft story of a little rabbit who is eager for spring to arrive!
The story itself is very typical of the children's genre, an impatient little rabbit who is ready for the next season, who has to wait before the seasons slowly change, but maybe the trees know when that will be? Soon enough the little rabbit's calls are heard and the trees finally answer.
I personally think the illustrations are the best part about this book. The way all of the shapes of the animals and background flow together along with the cool, winter color scheme, it gives it a "so real you could touch" sort of feeling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
The story itself is very typical of the children's genre, an impatient little rabbit who is ready for the next season, who has to wait before the seasons slowly change, but maybe the trees know when that will be? Soon enough the little rabbit's calls are heard and the trees finally answer.
I personally think the illustrations are the best part about this book. The way all of the shapes of the animals and background flow together along with the cool, winter color scheme, it gives it a "so real you could touch" sort of feeling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
August 15, 2022
This book is a pretty standard children’s book. It involves a curious bunny wondering when spring is coming. What captured me most about this book was the beautiful illustrations. The imagery of the winter snow and bunny are gorgeous.
August 23, 2022
I enjoyed the illustrations more than the words in this story of a bunny fighting hibernation. The illustrations of snow on tree branches and the bunny trying to be heard were gorgeous. My favorite illustration was the reflection in the bunny’s eye. The story is cute but not gripping.
September 2, 2022
I received this book from netgalley for a honest review.
I beautifully illustrated picture book about a rabbit waiting for spring. So much time to pass but no signs of spring until the trees tell him spring is coming.
I beautifully illustrated picture book about a rabbit waiting for spring. So much time to pass but no signs of spring until the trees tell him spring is coming.
October 19, 2022
The impatient rabbit cannot wait for Spring. He goes to the tree to ask how much longer Winter will be. This would be great to read to children when teaching about seasons. It shows how to tell when Spring will be arriving soon.
February 24, 2023
This is a lovely book about the coming of spring and an impatient little rabbit. I used it in preschool storytime on a VERY snowy day, and it surprised me by holding the interest of even my very squirrely little ones.
Want to read
April 25, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
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