How Robin Saved Spring
Written by: Debbie Ouellet
Illustrated by: Nicoetta Ceccoli
Published by: Christy Ottaviana Books, Henry Holt and Co, New York USA, 2009
Ages: 4 – 8 years
Theme: changing seasons, persistence,
Opening Lines: Long ago, in a little cottage, there lived two sisters, Lady Winter and Sister Spring. The day came, as it had every year since the beginning of time, for Lady Winter to step aside.
Synopsis: (from the jacket flap)- If Lady Winter has her way, the world will stay covered in blankets of snowy white and icy blue. Sister Spring will slumber forever and the winter will never end. Can Lady Winter really keep spring from coming, or is there something the animals might do to help? Led by harbinger Robin, the animals are determined to wake Sister Spring, but what price will they each have to pay? Through beautiful words and pictures, this enchanting tale about the battle of the seasons highlights one special bird who saves more than just the day.
Why I like this: The cover alone is a scene stopper. Nicoletta an award winner of the Silver medal by the Society of Illustrators and recipient of the Andersen Prize, honouring her as the best children’s book illustrator in Italy (no wonder), where she lives, gives this beautiful story its romantic, lush, whimsical feel. Soft edged rich colours abound in this, what could be called a folk tale. Some of the illustrations even made me think of the movie, Frozen. Debbie cleverly combines Winter’s plot to keep Spring from waking up so the world will stay white and cold for ever, with the failed attempts of the forest animals to wake her, leading to their natural hibernation and price they must pay. Eventually the little brown Robin comes up with a plan and why today we see little red-breasted robins singing in the morning sun. This is Debbie’s first picture book and I became aware of her good use of three’s in sounds and use of animals and lyrical text. While there are some full-page spreads most of the text is on the left page and the beautiful illustrations on the right. Debbie lives in Ontario, Canada.
Resources/Findings: Here is Debbie’s website and info about her writing and other projects… http://www.debbieouellet.com/howrobinsavedspring.htm
Here is a link to Nicoletta’s world of exquisite work. I love that often the expressions are very moody…. http://www.nicolettaceccoli.com/index.php
This is the final in Picture Book reviews for a short while, while the northern hemisphere have their summer break. I thought this was a fitting choice as they now enjoy spring and early onset of summer, while I wrap up warm in front of the fire and enjoy a good book.
I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Sounds lovely, Diane.
Thanks, Catherine. 🙂
What a beautiful cover. It certainly grabs your attention. I love the clever plot to keep
Spring from coming. This would be a beautiful book to use with kids to ask them what they think would happen if it was winter all the time. Must find a copy of this wonderful book.
Yes, as we deal with 90 degree weather, you are cuddling by the fire in New Zealand. But, I’m glad our winter is over. Strange year for us.
Yes it is a beautiful looking book. The story is quite unique and very clever. Reminded me of “Frozen” 🙂 Enjoy your summer as our southern mountain ranges gets dumps of snow. Only another three months till spring for us 😉
A lovely book! Enjoy your winter break. It is hot and sunny here in Spain.
Arrr now Spain is an excellent place to be. Hope your enjoying your new place. Thanks also Darlene.
Nicoletta Ceccoli’s work is mesmerizing! I’ll have to look for this one too!
Yes, isn’t it beautiful, Julie? So glad you liked this one. Enjoy!
Yes, I agree. The cover pulled me right in. And the lyrical nature of the storytelling holds me. Will put this on my summer reading list. Thanks!
I agree the lyrical text is beautifully crafted and a great concept of what if? The beautiful cover illustration caught my eye at our local library and I couldn’t resist bringing it home. Glad you liked it Jilanne.
Beautiful artwork and I love how mature this book sounds, too.
Thank you Joanna. It is gorgeous and quite adaptable for a large age range.
Brave robin! When I was in the UK I was surprised that their robins have much less red on them than our robins across the pond.
That’s an interesting fact Wendy. Thank you for sharing. We don’t see that many robins as we have sparrows here. Brown seems to be their colour.
I love tales like this… and the artwork looks gorgeous. Will look for it.
Thanks Sue. Hope you find it. Enjoy!
This looks interesting. I love Nicoletta’s work on Oscar and the Moon Cats. Add it to the list!
Cool. I must look for that one next, thanks Joanne. Hope you find this one. It is gorgeous.
That IS a beautiful cover! Happy Summer to us and Autumn to you!
Yes it is. Ha, thanks Tina. Winter is dumping lots of snow down south. The cold wind and rain has arrived. Brrrrrrrr.
I stumbled across this post today, Diane. Thanks so much for your kind words. Debbie Ouellet.
Thank you, your very welcome.
Thank you so much for stopping by Debbie. I loved your beautiful writing style and this book was such a treat with gorgeous illustrations and whimsical text that really took you to another world. I love your blog and have taken note of writing resource links you shared. thank you. Canada is a lovely country which I have had the pleasure of visiting some years ago visiting friends who have family spread from Toronto, Quelph and Niagara. Thanks again for stopping by.
Niagara is my favourite spot having grown up only about 15 minutes away. We get down there as often as we can. My daughter goes to university in Guelph and I love that spot too.
Thanks again Diane,
Debbie