The Great Blue House
PreSchool-K–The seasons in the life of a lovely blue country home are the subject of this understated, contemplative work. Lyrical verses begin by describing the house in summer, filled with a lively family. As the days grow shorter, the family departs, leaving it in seeming isolation and quiet. When the seasons pass into fall and then winter, it plays host to a mouse, a stray cat, and a bird. They while away the cold months until spring bursts forth, heralding the approach of summer. When the family returns, there are some new additions, including kittens, fledglings, and a baby, thus reflecting the cycle of birth and renewal brought about by the passage of time. The spare, evocative text serves as an effective counterpoint to the rich, painterly perspectives of the blue house. The only caveat is that this pastoral interlude may have more appeal to adults attracted to the notion of rustic vacation homes than to children.–Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.