Hibernation Station

An author’s note gives more information about hibernation, including the distinction between true hibernators and light sleepers.

In Meadows' (Pilot Pups) imaginative spin on hibernation, a menagerie prepares for winter as golden leaves give way to snowfall. A bear wearing a conductors cap and train-themed pajamas hands out pillows to animals as they climb aboard a train fashioned from hollowed logs. Groundhogs, turtles, snakes, and frogs./ Slipping into holes and logs./ Fluff the pillows, snuggle in./ But then... commotion in a den!/ I cannot sleep! a black bear roars./ My roommate rolls around and snores! Chipmunks spill a drink and a frog is afraid to be alone—but all finally fall asleep as the ursine crew soon gets everyone in order. Creatively balancing the real and the fanciful, Cyrus' (Pest Fest) digitally colored art is completely enchanting. Reminiscent of some of Jan Bretts creations, the animals are rendered at close range and in meticulous detail; their festive pajamas add a whimsical flourish (snakes and slugs in pjs—who can resist?). The overall coziness should get readers in the mood for some overnight hibernation of their own. Ages 3-7. (Aug.)

Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly, Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2—The hibernation train, fashioned of hollow logs, is filled with all sorts of animals, including bears, snakes, chipmunks, frogs, skunks, hedgehogs, and mice. On its way to the station, it hits a few snags—crowded conditions, leakage from a stream, and a lack of snacks and pillows. As the snow falls heavier and heavier, the bears in charge manage to get everyone squared away just as the train enters hibernation station. The track is made of tree branches, and the season is clearly heading from fall into winter. The enjoyable rhyming text provides the perfect platform for the wonderful illustrations that accompany it. Cyrus blends realistic depictions of the animals with just the right anthropomorphic touches—they are all clad in pajamas. The best example is the snails complete with slime trails wearing pj's, while the snakes slithering in their nightwear is quite amusing. An author's note on hibernation is included. Good for storytime or one-on-one reading.— Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.