William's Winter Nap

Starred review from October 2, 2017
After snuggling in for the night in his log cabin, a boy named William is repeatedly awakened by animals seeking shelter. A chipmunk is first: “ ‘Excuse me, but I’ve lost my way./ I’m cold and tired. May I please stay?’/ Will says, ‘Yes, I’ll scooch a bit./ There’s room for two—I’m sure we’ll fit.’ ” Other animals follow, crowding the bed—and then an enormous bear shows up. Ashman’s meticulously crafted rhymes are a delight to read, and the page turns build gentle tension (who’s at the door now?). Groenink makes the cabin look eminently cozy, in contrast to the snowy blue-black night outside. And his forest creatures—who yawn in unison with William each time they try to get some shut-eye—are as adorable as it gets. Ages 3–6. Author’s agent: Jennifer Mattson, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Stephen Barr, Writers House.

September 1, 2017
William's bed is a perfect haven from the winter snow; the forest denizens think so too. William, a dark-haired white boy, gets readers in the winter mood with his rosy cheeks, old-fashioned nightcap and union suit, wooly socks, and striped scarf. His welcome to each refugee is just as warm. A tiny chipmunk is first, tapping at the window. "The two climb in and curl up tight. / They YAWN and say, / 'Good night.' / 'Good night.' " It won't take listeners long to chime in on this repeated refrain, the numbers increasing as a porcupine, a woodchuck, and a raccoon snuggle down in the bed as well. And then a note slides under the door: "Do you have room for just one more?" The animals are begrudging, quickly forgetting William's generosity in the interest of space in the bed. But they just can't turn the newcomer away in the cold and snow. The end finds a gracious William curled up in the chair beside a bed heaped with animals as dawn lightens the window: he'll see them in the spring. Groenink's illustrations deftly juxtapose the warm light of the cabin with the darkness outside, and his characters are expressive; few readers will be able to stifle their own yawns. A simpler alternative to Brian Patten and Nicola Bayley's The Big Snuggle-Up (2011) for the youngest of listeners and bed-sharers. (Picture book. 3-6)

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November 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 1-One cold winter night, a boy named William is about to fall asleep, then hears the sound of a "tap, tap, tap" outside. He scooches over to make room for a cold and tired chipmunk until a series of other abrupt noises..."knocking...booming...pinging... and crunching" are followed by a troupe of other unexpected house guests. These sleepy evening visitors range in size from a porcupine, beaver, and raccoon to a towering bear. In each instance, there is always room for one more. Ashman's lilting rhymes are ideal as a soothing bedtime story, accompanied by bold illustrations of a dark, bluish purple night dotted by white swirly snowflakes. The entreating look on each animal's face peering in at the door is irresistibly sweet, though the bear's looming presence at story's end seems almost too dark to discern. Young children will simply enjoy this as an endearing, cuddle-up story at bedtime, especially on a stormy night. An added value to the tale is its emphasis on the benefits of bestowing hospitality to those in need and a generosity of spirit towards new friends. VERDICT A cozy winter story best saved for nighttime reading, and a good purchase for most collections.-Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 1, 2017
Preschool-G *Starred Review* Living alone in a little house, a boy named William prepares to sleep. It's snowing outside, so he burrows under his cozy bedcovers until he hears tapping at the window. When a chipmunk asks for shelter, William scooches over to make room in his bed. A knock at the door signals the arrival of a porcupine, who fits in, too. Next, they make room for a groundhog banging on the door, followed by a raccoon at the window. Finally, a polite note slipped under the door asks for company. Though reluctant to add one more, the animals relent when they meet the enormous, lonely bear. In the final picture, the animals share William's bed, while he snuggles down in a nearby chair. Beautifully paced, rhymed, and cadenced, the rhythmic verses pause only for the tapping, rapping, knocking, booming, and crunching of the arriving animals. The text reads aloud well, with natural places for kids to join in. The illustrator of Hank's Big Day (2016), Groenink uses light, shading, and textures effectively. With a subdued palate of deep blues, grays, and tawny browns, his mixed-media artwork creates a strong sense of the setting and the appealing characters. Just right for reading aloud on cold, wintry nights.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2018
In this story about generosity, a boy named William is trying to sleep, but animals seeking a place to hibernate keep showing up asking to join his cozy bed...until William is out of space. Rhyming, repetition, and counting drive Ashman's bedtime read-aloud. Groenink's illustrations are dark and shadowy and snow-filled, yet also full of friendliness and warmth.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)