The Wind That Wanted To Rest

by Sheldon Oberman, Neil Waldman (Illustrator)

From village to mountaintop to country inn, an old winter wind searches for a places to sleep, only to be turned away where he goes. This timeless folktale has its roots in Russia, but what it tells us about the consequences of our actions is universal. It is a powerful story of rejection and the good things that flow from kindness and understanding. Noted folklorist Peninnah Schram provides an unforgettable, informative afterword about the wind as folktale motif in many cultures.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Folklore

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2012

Reviews

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about how we affect the world around us with our actions - and about how we treat others. Cruelty and carelessness explodes into violence resolved only by compassion. Pretty deep lessons for a picture book - I'm very thoughtful after reading this.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winter apparently is an old man, and a cranky one at that.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is an old wind man, but he can't find any place to rest. Everyone always turns him away because he is cold and windy. Interesting story. Pretty good pictures. I didn't particularly like it, though.

[Courtney Kleefeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this picture book - it was refreshing and the illustrations are beautiful.

[Shelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of those stories that were told many years ago around the camp fire and passed down orally from generation to generation. Even though illustrated well I didn't really get this book until the afterword, which most young readers wouldn't read anyway. The idea of the wind having feelings and needing to find a place to rest just came across as a bit stupid, until the afterword.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a classic storytellers feel. It is a tale about the winter wind, worn out and looking for a place of rest. This book would be great to use in a storytelling program, or a folk tale program, with older kids who are learning the craft of telling tales. It is a bit muted in its telling and in the illustrations, which gives it an air of antiquity and wisdom. I find it beautiful.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the structure and motifs of a folktale are all here, this still feels like an invented story rather than an old oral tale, with the narrative and characters not quite as seamless and organic as I might wish. Illustrations are very formal and classic with a nice muted palette. Afterword details the provenance of the story and tells more about the author.

[Alexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love kids book based on old folk tales, particularly tales that have an important message. As other reviews have said, this is a book about the way we impact the world around us. Beautifully illustrated and told in a way that makes your heart break for the poor winter wind, this books is one that I will certainly be reading to my children.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely expressive illustrations enrich this simple but compelling tale of the old wind searching for a place to rest. it can serve as a simple tale, perfect for =retelling sequence, cause and effect, etc. but also becomes a complex analogy comparable to the Good Samaratan.

[Linda Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best not to make the wind angry;-)

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning illustrations, a tale new to me. I enjoyed it.

[RobesonBoys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max really liked it... I'd say it is medium, but a nice tuck-in story.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

We really enjoy this book personifying the winter wind. It is actually a touching story. Very nice illustrations too.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to really like folk-tale type books, and this one was great! Just a little too long for baby and me.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theme: compassion

[Kyra Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book although it left me feeling a little melancholy.