Very nice book on early spring. ( )

Huh. I grew up in NW Wisconsin, in a context directly reminiscent of this, from crocus to coon to old house, and I don't recall any turquoise tint or hint of royal purple. Schuett's eyes must see differently. Our spring was thinner, lighter - the pale leaves budding, the meltwater running in every gutter and ditch reflecting still cold shards of sun, the birdsongs almost shrill with haste to mate and raise broods before fall coming in five months. I do remember the heavy snow sliding off the eaves and the evergreen trees, and the mud, and glorious joy when it was finally warm enough to take off my hat and put my face to the sun. ( )

Spring has sprung and the melting of the snow the movement of the animals you can tell spring is here. ( )

The spring thaw comes to a northern farm in this engaging picture-book from author Steven Schnur and illustrator Stacey Schuett, beginning with a "warm wind late at night," and progressing through a gradual melting of the snow, a quickening of the maple sap, and the appearance of one purple crocus. As a raccoon emerges from his winter den, a pregnant doe seeks a resting place, and a cardinal sings from the pine tree, a boy and his grandfather observe it all...

A lovely, understated look at the changing of the seasons, Spring Thaw has a quiet charm that is very appealing, with a gentle narrative that slowly unfolds - much like the changes being depicted - and beautiful illustrations that capture the late winter/early spring environment. I have distinct childhood memories of looking every year for the first crocus (usually purple), as the early harbinger of spring, so I was particularly appreciative of the conclusion. ( )

With a simple narrative as flowing and caressing as the warm wind that signals the start of spring, Spring Thaw, written by Steven Schnur, with illustrations by Stacey Schuett, describes in evocative detail (both textually and visually) the many signs of early spring on the farm, in the woods, in the countryside. There is not much of a story, and no narrative tension, but Spring Thaw does not really require this. It is simply and beautifully an atmospheric evocation of winter turning to spring, perfect for sharing with a young child (or a group of young children) on a lazy, relaxing morning, afternoon or evening. Of course, if you are fortunate enough to live in or near a rural area, a trek outside, so your child, your children can actually discover and observe the signs of early spring first-hand would be an added bonus, the perfect sequel.

I actually had to read Spring Thaw a couple of times to get a true feel for Stacey Schuett's illustrations. While I found her depictions of natural scenes, objects and animals lush and descriptive (a perfect complement to and mirror of the gentle tone and rhythm of the narrative), her human figures (especially up close) seemed a trifle too bold, too in-your-face for my liking. However, after reading the book a couple of times, I found that I had grown somewhat accustomed to this and it no longer bothered and distracted me all that much. However, I still think that it is primarily the natural scenes, the animals, the birds, the trees that make Stacey Schuett's illustrations magical and evocative of the emergence of spring (my favourite is definitely the single crocus on the last page, the one flower that really and truly shows that it is spring at last, that winter has finally gone). ( )