Starred Review ALA Booklist (Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2021)

Starred Review This appealing picture book begins with a message for "school bus riders / heading out on a cold, dark morning. / For red-breasted birds / pecking at ice-coated berries, / for all those whose snowsuits have stuck zippers . . . DO NOT LOSE HEART!" Reminding us that springtime is coming, bringing longer days and warmer weather, the words that follow help listeners envision birds building nests, while children play in parks, walk in the rain, and jump in puddles. Later, McMullan encourages kids to count the vehicles in line at the car wash, to sing to spring, and, on the longest day of the year, to bid the season goodbye. Gracefully worded and a pleasure to read aloud, the free-verse text exudes warmth, vitality, and joy while conjuring up what makes this time of year special. Rim's mixed-media artwork combines watercolor, pencil, crayon, and collage elements into double-page spreads that look fresh and effortless. In their jubilant profusion of light and color, trees and flowers, people and animals, the illustrations echo the irrepressibly carefree tone of the verse. An effervescent tribute to spring, this vibrant picture book is sure to please all those who delight in the season.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Shades of icy blue suffuse the first double-page spread, with four kids all bundled up against a chilly, snowy day: "Here's a message for school bus riders heading out on a cold, dark morning." That message also goes for birds on the next spread and then, on subsequent pages, for kids wrestling with winter gear, dogs in coats, and crossing guards: "Do not lose heart!" After these encouraging words, a page-turn shows the Earth and sun (from space), with deep-blue hues punctuated with smiley yellow stars and a reminder that the days are growing longer until "the day becomes exactly as long as the night." Then glorious springtime, with daffodils, daisies, and butterflies and a light-blue sky appearing: "On this day we say Happy Springtime!" The rest of the book bids happy spring to a variety of people and creatures: "...to groggy frogs waking up from their winter's sleep...wielders of watering cans...bees burrowing in blossoms," and many more. McMullan's rhythm and word choices are enthusiastically joyful, a perfect pairing with Rim's watercolor, pencil, crayon, and collage illustrations. The children shown throughout have a variety of hair colors and skin tones, and once spring has hit, their postures and expressions become celebratory. After our pandemic year, the arrival of springtime may be particularly welcome to children who have been cooped up for a long time -- but this picture book will be welcome all year round and next year, too. Susan Dove Lempke

Kirkus Reviews

Hooray! The season of renewal is here.Take heed, all who suffer from the bleak, snowy winter doldrums: Marvelous changes are at hand. The hours of daylight expand; new colors, smells, and sounds burst forth everywhere; animals of all sorts are born and revel; plants regenerate; and outdoor activities both wet and dry encourage eager participation. "Rejoice in the rain you walkers with colorful umbrellas, you puddle jumpers, you small brown birds splashing on sidewalks, you lovers of mud." This lovely tribute to the renewal of life and possibilities and the promise of fresh new beginnings is the perfect introduction for young children to the magical renaissance that follows each year's icy darkness. The narrative zings with exuberance. Though not written in verse, the gently rhythmic text is almost poetic and reads beautifully thanks to its liberal use throughout of well-chosen alliterative and assonant words and phrases, demanding that this book be read aloud. Children will appreciate the frequent reminders that "The days are growing longer!" An easily comprehensible scientific explanation helps convey facts about the spring equinox and the beginning of summer (though that season isn't named), and very little kids get the opportunity to practice some simple counting, too. Cheery illustrations are rendered in watercolor, ink, pencil, and collage, and pages are awash with gorgeous color and ebullience-like spring itself. Spreads show humans and animals engaging in various activities, and people depicted show diversity.Effervescent and life affirming; a magical ode to a joyful time. (Picture book. 3-7)

School Library Journal (Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2021)

PreS-Gr 2 The frosty blues of a bitter winter morning requiring stubborn snowsuits and chunky hats and mittens. Robins peck at forgotten icy berries in the snow. Dogs parade the streets in knitted sweaters and snug boots. For pandemic-weary readers or just those who have had enough winter, McMullan has a message: "Do not lose heart!" Frigid winter nights eventually shorten; days become longer; winter thaws into the comforts of spring. A diverse group of children frolic together in parks, birds build nests to welcome new babies, and sleepy seedlings stretch from their soil beds. Scarves and snow boots are swapped for umbrellas and rain boots needed for dancing in the rain and puddle jumping. Rim's watercolor, pencil, crayon, and collage illustrations are lush and fluid like snow melting into the new growth taking its place. These blend beautifully with McMullan's springtime celebration, warming the fingers, toes, and hearts of readers. This book pairs perfectly with the colorful scenes in Buffy Silverman's On a Snow-Melting Day for story time or a preschool lesson. VERDICT A warm and welcomed addition to collections about the changing of seasons.Emily Brush, Novi P.L., MI