Whistling
PreSchool-Grade 2-A subdued palette of forest greens and a sky washed with shades of indigo evoke the stillness of the woods just before sunrise. In the clearing, sparks from a fire spiral into the night; Jake and his father are camping out. Cozy as their plaid flannel shirts, this picture book enfolds readers in the warmth and closeness of this father/son relationship. The fabric of the story is as carefully crafted as the quilts that serve as illustrations. As she did in Pieces: A Year in Poems and Quilts (Greenwillow, 2001), Hines has masterfully created an evocative backdrop for this touching story. The deep nighttime hues transition to lavenders and corals as the boy and his dad whistle up the dawn and the sun peeks over the horizon. With a deft touch, the artist stitches individual pieces of patterned cloth into place, choosing each for its subtle creation of mood. Similarly, Partridge embroiders the details of the text with a poetic flair that adds texture and engages all the senses. As a result of this lyrical pairing, the book's quiet simplicity is a compelling and seamlessly woven collage of art and text. The final pages detail the quilter's technique so readers can create a story quilt of their own.Laurie Edwards, West Shore School District, Camp Hill, PACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.