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When the Wind Stops
"But where does the sun go when the day ends?" the child asks. "The day doesn't end", explains his mother, "it begins somewhere else". This is a story about new beginnings.
New (second) illustrations.
New (second) illustrations.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1962
3 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Zolotow
100 books79 followersCharlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 20, 2018
"But where does the sun go when the day ends?" the little boy asked.
"The day doesn't end," said his mother, "it begins somewhere else. The sun will be shining there, when night begins here. Nothing ends."
"Nothing?" the little boy asked.
"Nothing," his mother said. "It begins in another place or in a different way."
Zolotow's story features a loving, patient mother explaining the circle of life to her son, who is trying to understand why his perfect day must end. The story is sweet, but Stefano Vitale's artwork is the real star here.
"The day doesn't end," said his mother, "it begins somewhere else. The sun will be shining there, when night begins here. Nothing ends."
"Nothing?" the little boy asked.
"Nothing," his mother said. "It begins in another place or in a different way."
Zolotow's story features a loving, patient mother explaining the circle of life to her son, who is trying to understand why his perfect day must end. The story is sweet, but Stefano Vitale's artwork is the real star here.
February 17, 2010
My very first thought after reading this was "Pretty pictures. Bit hippy-dippy, but I like it."
Upon closer reflection, I mostly still think that. A little boy wants to know why the sun goes down and where it goes, and is told that the sun doesn't go down so much as go shine on another side of the world. And he's told similar things about the wind, and the seasons, and the sea and so on - there's no end to any of it.
So, yes, vaguely new-agey, but I see nothing in it that could offend... well, anybody. The book would work well with anybody's sensibilities as a nice, comforting, before-bed book.
Upon closer reflection, I mostly still think that. A little boy wants to know why the sun goes down and where it goes, and is told that the sun doesn't go down so much as go shine on another side of the world. And he's told similar things about the wind, and the seasons, and the sea and so on - there's no end to any of it.
So, yes, vaguely new-agey, but I see nothing in it that could offend... well, anybody. The book would work well with anybody's sensibilities as a nice, comforting, before-bed book.
February 26, 2009
I was sold on this book the first time I flipped through it; the illustrations are beautiful! After a perfect day a young boy asks his mother why the day has to end. "It begins in another place, or in a different way." Thus begins a gentle introduction to the never-ending cycles and continuity of the natural world.
April 25, 2012
One of my favorites (I'm pretty sure I pick it at bedtime because I love it, although my kids like it too), When the Wind Stops is a sweet story about how nothing ever ends; it just changes. Zolotow is one of my mom's favorite authors. The illustrations in this edition are phenomenal!
June 30, 2019
A reassuring story portraying the continuity and constant ebb and flow of nature: wind & storms, rain & ocean, day & night, etc. Illustrated by Stefano Vitale with rustic, yet beautifully dynamic, paintings on wood, quite unusual but extremely effective for the subject matter.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
March 20, 2020
"But where does the sun go when the day ends?" the little boy asked.
"The day doesn't end," said his mother, "it begins somewhere else. The sun will be shining there, when the night begins here. Nothing ends."
"Nothing? the little boy asked.
"Nothing," his mother said. "It begins in another place or in a different way."
Perhaps this can be interpreted another way but it feels like there's an underlying reference to incarnation. I understand cycles, the rain/water cycle, the waves, the earth revolving around the sun to make days and nights, and the book goes into all of these ... but things do end. It's pretty incorrect to say that *nothing* ends.
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"The day doesn't end," said his mother, "it begins somewhere else. The sun will be shining there, when the night begins here. Nothing ends."
"Nothing? the little boy asked.
"Nothing," his mother said. "It begins in another place or in a different way."
Perhaps this can be interpreted another way but it feels like there's an underlying reference to incarnation. I understand cycles, the rain/water cycle, the waves, the earth revolving around the sun to make days and nights, and the book goes into all of these ... but things do end. It's pretty incorrect to say that *nothing* ends.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
February 25, 2016
This is a picture book from Charlotte Zolotow, it first published in 1995. I love this book because it is simple and meaningful. I will definitely read this book to my children in the future. In this book, I experienced a pure soul of child, they are wondering about this fantasy world. Even me as an adult now was touched by this warm book. When the little boy asked his mom, "Why does the day have to end?" I felt myself could not get a answer of this question in that moment. When his mom answered which this answer warm my heart. She said:" So night can begin." When the little boy continue asked: " Where does the sun go when day ends?" His mom said:"The day doesn't end, it begins somewhere else. The sun will shining there, and night begins here. Nothing ends." I love this answer. What a wonderful way to let children always keep wondering, hoping, and having curiosity. I realised that sometimes, the questions from children are easily get neglected often. We think it is too simple or ridiculous which is actually in adult perspective. In fact, children's mind is full of creativity, imagination, and sense. I think these are precious and endangered characteristics in our nowadays society.
December 2, 2012
Just as in the wonderful family book If You Listen, Charlotte Zolotow and illustrator Stefano Vitale team up for a beautiful moving book about a boy who discovers where the wind goes when it stops, in the children’s book When the Wind Stops.
The book begins with the day coming to an end, and a little boy recapping what he had done that day. After his father reads him a story, he turns to bed and is tucked in by his mother. He begins asking his mother why the day has to end (5), and she replies “So night can begin,” (5). He asks his mother all types of questions, like where the wind goes when it stops, where the sun goes when the day ends, and where the rain goes when the storms are over. His mother tells him that nothing ever ends; it just goes somewhere else to begin again.
This is an excellent book for young children who are just learning about nature and seasons, it is also a fantastic book for teachers to include when creating a unit lesson on nature. Zolotow always seems to have such an elegant way of explaining hard questions children ask.
The book begins with the day coming to an end, and a little boy recapping what he had done that day. After his father reads him a story, he turns to bed and is tucked in by his mother. He begins asking his mother why the day has to end (5), and she replies “So night can begin,” (5). He asks his mother all types of questions, like where the wind goes when it stops, where the sun goes when the day ends, and where the rain goes when the storms are over. His mother tells him that nothing ever ends; it just goes somewhere else to begin again.
This is an excellent book for young children who are just learning about nature and seasons, it is also a fantastic book for teachers to include when creating a unit lesson on nature. Zolotow always seems to have such an elegant way of explaining hard questions children ask.
April 10, 2019
This is a soothing, reaffirming story about the cycle of day and night, seasons, and the way that nature forms an endless circle that refreshes itself. It depicts a little boy asking his mom many questions and gives her simple, consistent answers.
It is a terrific book to read at bedtime and would likely reassure a young child who is anxious about the night. The illustrations are softly muted and calming and complement the story nicely. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
interesting passage:
"But where does the sun go when the day ends?" the little boy asked.
"The day doesn't end," said his mother, "it begins somewhere else. The sun will be shining there, when night begins here. Nothing ends."
"Nothing?" the little boy asked.
"Nothing," his mother said. "It begins in another place or in a different way." (p. 8)
It is a terrific book to read at bedtime and would likely reassure a young child who is anxious about the night. The illustrations are softly muted and calming and complement the story nicely. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
interesting passage:
"But where does the sun go when the day ends?" the little boy asked.
"The day doesn't end," said his mother, "it begins somewhere else. The sun will be shining there, when night begins here. Nothing ends."
"Nothing?" the little boy asked.
"Nothing," his mother said. "It begins in another place or in a different way." (p. 8)
February 1, 2017
As the day ends a little boy asks his mom "Where does the wind go when it stops?". His mom then goes on to explain how when one thing ends another begins. She goes through and answers all of his questions about beginnings and endings, How the seasons may end but another one comes along and starts.
I really liked the story this book told. I think there aren't enough stories that talk about this kind of stuff in a great way this book does.
I would use this book when a child is going through a lot to try and explain how even though something ends there is always something else that starts. I would also use it to teach them about things that happen in the world that they might not understand like: where the wind goes when it isn't blowing.
I really liked the story this book told. I think there aren't enough stories that talk about this kind of stuff in a great way this book does.
I would use this book when a child is going through a lot to try and explain how even though something ends there is always something else that starts. I would also use it to teach them about things that happen in the world that they might not understand like: where the wind goes when it isn't blowing.
November 15, 2017
As the day ends a little boy asks his mom "Where does the wind go when it stops?". His mom then goes on to explain how when one thing ends another begins. She goes through and answers all of his questions about beginnings and endings, How the seasons may end but another one comes along and starts.
I really liked the story this book told. I do not think there are enough stories that talk about what is mentioned in this book. It does a great job explaining everything.
I would use this book when a child is going through a lot to try and explain how even though when one thing ends there is always something else that starts. I would also use it to teach them about things that happen in the world that they might not understand like: where the wind goes when it isn't blowing.
I really liked the story this book told. I do not think there are enough stories that talk about what is mentioned in this book. It does a great job explaining everything.
I would use this book when a child is going through a lot to try and explain how even though when one thing ends there is always something else that starts. I would also use it to teach them about things that happen in the world that they might not understand like: where the wind goes when it isn't blowing.
October 30, 2008
During a bedtime chat, a mother reassures her son that nothing ends...it only changes. The book beautifully, compassionately explores the comforting cyclical nature of each day, of the Wheel of seasons, and even of life itself. As a pagan mother, this book is a perfect introduction to the overall idea of reincarnation, of growth and death and rebirth, and the interconnectedness of life on our planet. The illustrations are glorious and the text thoughtfully simple.
February 3, 2015
Absolutely LOVED Stefano Vitale's vivid & vibrant wood-grain-based art! Wow!
Charlotte Zolotow's "Cycle of Life" text is simple & beautiful, but the real pop to this new-art edition is Vitale's explosive simplicity. Pay special attention to how he uses every grain of wood to emphasize his vision. Astounding!
VERY recommended as a read-together and for all adults appreciative of simply powerful children's art!
Charlotte Zolotow's "Cycle of Life" text is simple & beautiful, but the real pop to this new-art edition is Vitale's explosive simplicity. Pay special attention to how he uses every grain of wood to emphasize his vision. Astounding!
VERY recommended as a read-together and for all adults appreciative of simply powerful children's art!
July 14, 2008
Emma, my 8 year old, read this to me. The story was simple enough but the art by Stefano Vitale was so beautiful that we decided to buy two copies of this book. One to read and keep in our personal library and one to cut up and frame to hang the pictures in Emma's room. Emma is very artistic and she spent a lot of time taking in all the details of the illustrations.
June 15, 2012
Age: Preschool - 2nd grade
"When a little boy asks his mother where the wind goes when it stops she answers, "It blows away to make the trees dance somewhere else". Her reassuring answers to his questions make it clear that nothing in nature ever ends; that life simply begins again in another place or another way" (Goodreads feature review).
"When a little boy asks his mother where the wind goes when it stops she answers, "It blows away to make the trees dance somewhere else". Her reassuring answers to his questions make it clear that nothing in nature ever ends; that life simply begins again in another place or another way" (Goodreads feature review).
September 2, 2014
This story was a great book to read when I am focusing on seasons in the classroom. Also this book focuses on nature so it would be a great story to use to pull in the cycle of nature. The illustrations are nice for the children to look at and see the pictures of nature. It is a quick read so it would be good to use when I want to add a story into a lesson.
July 28, 2015
What a beautiful book to read to your child for bedtime and or read to when all the 'why' questions about nature come up. The illustrations are wonderful as well. My 3 year old granddaughter enjoyed the illustrations just as much as she did the beautiful story, and it was a delight to read it to her.
February 25, 2008
I absolutely adore Stefano Vitale's illustrations. Yum. Simple, yet rich; clean and organic. Zolotow's words are sweet, explaining the constant cycling of nature and life, but it's the color-washed wood-grained images that captured my heart.
March 10, 2009
Beautiful illustrations on wood canvas add to the very natural feel of this book. Wonderful as a bedtime story. Great to help discussion on the continuity of life; the end of one thing is the beginning of another.
April 6, 2013
I found this when searching for fiction featuring the wind. Though its the title, it is not a story about wind. Instead, it is an "I love you" story much like Mama, Do You Love Me? or The Runaway Bunny.
January 30, 2015
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to other. I was impressed that throughout the story the mother explicitly states how things never end but simply change. The illustrations are great, as well.
January 31, 2015
Beautiful illustrations and a conversation between parent and child about where the sun goes when it sets, where the wind goes when it stops blowing, where the rain goes when the storm is over... "Nothing ends," the mother tells the child. "It begins in another place or in a different way."
March 26, 2009
Beautiful words and beautiful illustrations!
May 17, 2009
a gift from a dear friend--one of the best books for children and adults i've read in awhile.
May 13, 2010
"Nothing ends." The mother continues, "It begins in another place or in a different way."
This is a peaceful read aloud that also encourages asking questions.
This is a peaceful read aloud that also encourages asking questions.
April 24, 2011
all we are is energy and love
June 27, 2011
I want to own this. Such a surprisingly wonderful book. Love the illustrations, so painterly and unusual, and am in love with the story.
March 21, 2012
My son likes this book, it expains things that he asks about all the time in a way he can relate to. And I love the illustrations. It is a great kids book.
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April 21, 2012I love these pictures.
April 29, 2012
I love reading this book - it's so calming! Of course, I'm the one who ends up falling asleep but whatever. I really enjoyed Vitale's illustrations as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews