A Loud Winter's Nap - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF
When I first decided to write a PPBF post on this book, I didn't realize how often my life imitates art. Instead of getting right to it, I ended up imitating Tortoise. While not actually hibernating, I definitely withdrew and burrowed into decorating, cookie making, and spending some glorious time with my kids.
And, like Tortoise, I also rediscovered the simple joys of winter and friends. I had almost forgotten how fun it is to ice skate and play in the snow.
In a worthy sequel to Too Many Carrots, Tortoise learns that sometimes bucking tradition can have fun results.
A Loud Winter's Nap
Author/Illustrator: Katy Hudson
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers (2017)
Ages: 3-5
Fiction
Themes:
Winter, hibernation, friendship, animals, traditions, and change.
Synopsis (from Barnes & Noble):
For Tortoise, winter is good for one thing: a nice long nap. Can friends open his eyes to a season full of surprises? Every year, Tortoise hibernates through winter. He assumes he isn’t missing much. However, his friends are determined to prove otherwise! Will Tortoise sleep through another winter, or will his friends convince him to stay awake and experience the frosty fun? In the follow-up to her bestselling Too Many Carrots, Katy Hudson delivers a charming picture book, featuring the fun of winter and the heartwarming benefits of friendship.
Opening Lines:
Tortoise had just snuggles in for
his long winter nap when . . .
"Hello there, Tortoise,' chirped Robin. "Would you like to join our singing class?"
"No," grumbled Tortoise. "I was trying to sleep. Tortoises don't like winter."
Why I like this book:
I was excited to see another PB by Katy Hudson. Just as with Too Many Carrots, her end pages reveal the back story, specifically how tortoise knows that he is supposed to hibernate through the winter.
Her lively, colorful illustrations are so captivating. They invite repeated examination to reveal new treasures. These end pages lead into the cozy opening image of Tortoise snuggled warm into bed with his teddy bear and a "Do Not Disturb (until Spring)" sign.
However, one also sees Robin swooping in. He and his friends have a different plan - a daily "Robin's Winter Singing Class." Hudson establishes a wonderful refrain in Tortoise's grumble:
"I was trying to sleep. Tortoises don't like winter."
"Why not?"
"They just don't."
Tortoise heads off to locate another hibernation location. However, Rabbit's ice sculpture tapping, Squirrel and Rabbit's snowball fight, and Beaver's felling of his sleeping tree all interrupt Tortoise's desired dreaming.
Tortoise's final choice of a secluded, flat piece of wood - turns out to be a sled! It seems everything is conspiring to change tortoise's impression of winter. But even a grumpy tortoise can't help smiling (as the sled barrels down a hill), giggling (as he sails through the air), and shrieking "Whee!!" (as he slides across the ice).
The ending finds everyone enjoying a cozy slumber party. Except Tortoise, who watches snowflakes and decides that some tortoises can "like winter after all." It is a delightful winter tale of friendship and discovery.
Resources:
- activity kit (w/ Coloring Sheets, Dot to Dot Activity, Design Your Own Door Hanger, and so much more) and a delightful book trailer ~ http://www.capstonepub.com/consumer/products/loud-winter-s-nap-1;
- read nonfiction books about tortoises and hibernation; and
- write a story, or draw a picture, about something you've never tried before.
This post is part of a series by authors and KidLit bloggers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays. For more picture book suggestions see Susanna Leonard Hill's Perfect Picture Books.
