The Wind May Blow

Softly brushed artwork by Hegbrook (The Song of the Dinosaurs) and die-cuts that hint at the pages to come enliven this inspirational homily by Quinton (Florabelle). While platitudinal metaphors throughout might describe any kind of adversity ("one day the sun may go, the wild wind may blow"), moment of hitting bottom ("all hopes burn to ash"), and recovery ("You will rise again brilliant and bright and beautiful"), Hegbrook creates a particular, picturesque dilemma. A light brown-skinned child with a red hoodie, a big yellow umbrella, and a loyal dog withstands a squall, lashing a raft together with a blue-and-white striped scarf before navigating a stormy voyage's challenges. A great wave breaks over the pair and casts them on a piece of the wreckage, and the child soon thinks of a way to salvage what was lost. Though color and motion animate the pages, the scenes remain intimate throughout, an effect amplified by hand-painted text and die-cuts that offer their own visual activity. Ages 3-7. (Aug.)