WARM-HEARTED NEIGHBORS

Charlie and Charlotte Woodchuck are working hard on their hibernation preparations, but they still come to the aid of all their neighbors.

There’s plenty to do and only 10 days left before hibernation. Charlie and Charlotte are readying their den for winter when Bunny comes by, desperate for help harvesting carrots. Charlie offers his services: “Of course! We’re neighbors!” Charlie also offers to help Grandpa Goat fix his roof and to free Little Bear’s dad from a hole in the floor. When the Woodchucks are finally reunited, they have a lot to do to get ready for hibernation. To their surprise—and relief—all their neighbors show up to help, ensuring them a warm and cozy winter. The various animals are sweetly illustrated wearing little outfits with coats, plaid shirts, kerchiefs, and overalls. Their homes are a combination of animal burrow and human house, built into the ground, with working fireplaces and little bathrooms. Children will enjoy looking at these thoughtful details (dinosaur bones hidden beneath!) and taking in the action in each scene. The unnecessary rhyming stanzas that the animals sing, however, make for awkward read-alouds that readers may trip over. Otherwise, the story, originally published in Belgium and the Netherlands and translated from Dutch, moves along nicely while conveying a meaningful lesson about the importance of community and neighborly care. Preschoolers will surely appreciate the compelling artwork and adorable details.

Succinct and effective messaging paired with darling illustrations.