Change is a constant in children's lives, but here is a book about a boy who resists it big-time. Seven-year-old Arto lives somewhere "up North," and every day he arms himself against the cold by dressing in wool socks, boots, mittens, a coat, and a knit cap. When his mother tells him that they are moving to the South, Arto insists on wearing his outdoor gear on the trip. He continues to wear it, in fact, even when he becomes surrounded by adobe houses and cacti. Eventually, though, Arto meets a girl at school who tells him that her family has moved many times. They become friends and, sure enough, Arto trades in his snow cap for a cowboy hat. The fairly lengthy text gives the serious topic its due, while the pencil, watercolor, acrylic, and graphite illustrations convey the beauty of both North and South locales. The emphasis on Arto's clothing is a wonderfully subtle and clever way of depicting his emotional defenses and, as he loses his layers, how he is coming to adjust.

Seven-year-old Arto's family moves from an unspecified northern climate to a southern desert for a year. Arto has trouble adjusting--continuing to wear his wool layers and favorite hat--until he makes a new friend. The story is so general, and so predictable, that even though it covers an essential childhood experience, there's little emotional satisfaction. Arnaldo's illustrations are pleasant but also undistinguished.

Gr 1-3 When Arto's family moves from the cold North to the South for a year, the seven year old is very resistant to the idea. In fact, despite being surrounded by cacti, adobe houses, and sand, he refuses to give up his former garbwool hat, winter coat, boots, and wooly socks. He spends his days sweating and brooding until a classmate approaches him. Ana's family has moved often, and her knowledge of living in the North connects her to Arto immediately. As the friendship blooms, Arto begins to shed his layers, a great metaphor for opening up to change and new friendship. As the year comes to a close, Arto has mixed feelings about leaving his new home. In the end, he learns that he can take a bit of his Southern life with him. This story will resonate with many children, especially those who have experienced a move. The boldly colored, expressive illustrations adequately reflect the cold Northern climate, with its snow and bulky clothing, and the heat and desert landscape of the South. Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA