The natural beauty and wonder of winter abound in this light and lovely tale, as birds, squirrels, rabbits, a mouse and an opossum arrive at different times during a day and evening to feast on seeds and corn kernels thoughtfully strewn in the snow by an unseen hand. Readers discover at the end that a young boy, who lives in a house nearby, is the benefactor who begins his rounds next morning with more treats. Then the animals return for second helpings. Denslow’s rhyming, rhythmic text is much enhanced by Tafuri’s characteristically soft, lush, very detailed paintings. The animals are beautifully rendered and touchable; note the grinning opossum, mouth brimming with seeds, in an enchanting two-page spread. A fine, warm addition for wintertime story hours.
(Picture book. 3-6)
