You're Snug With Me

by Chitra Soundar, Poonam Mistry

At the start of winter, two bear cubs are born, deep in their den in the frozen North. "Mama, what lies beyond here?" they ask. "'Above us is a land of ice and snow." "What lies beyond the ice and snow?" they ask. "The ocean, full of ice from long ago." And as they learn the secrets of the Earth and their place in it, Mama Bear whispers, "You're snug with me."

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Nature, Environment, Storytime, Family

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Chitra Soundar is originally from the culturally colourful India where traditions, festivals and mythology are a way of life. After six great years in the island city-state Singapore, Chitra now lives in London.

Chitra's primary interest is in writing picture books and early & emergent readers. She enjoys retelling funny folktales from around the world, especially from India.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some eye catching designs in this book, but I was surprised to learn from goodreads friend La Cochinelle that this isn't a style of artwork local to the setting of the book but in fact an Indian style, which although interesting seemed to be an unusual choice given the setting. The story shows young polar bear cubs being told about the world by their mother, some things worry the cubs and the mother repeats the line 'you're snug with me' to reassure them. I didn't like the part where the cubs are worried the ice will melt and the mother tells the cubs that would only happen if we don't take care of it, obviously the polar bears aren't to blame for this which is a bit confusing. Some nice icy scenes and an interesting style. This is one I would borrow from the library but not one I would want to keep.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are truly incredibly detailed and in some instances, kaleidoscopic. I love the contrast between the solid dark jagged trees and the patterned and detailed background with varying shades of color.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure what to make of this one. On the one hand, it's really interesting to look at and has a decent overall message. On the other, the message doesn't always make a lot of sense in context, and the illustrations don't exactly represent the cultural subject matter.

This is a story about a mother polar bear and her two cubs. While they're safe in their den over the winter, the cubs ask their mother questions about the outside world, and the mother tells them all about what they'll find when they finally emerge from their den. Sometimes, her words scare the cubs, so she continually reassures them with, "You're snug with me."

I don't have a problem with the basic premise of the story, or with the overarching message. I just found it a little weird to be putting environmental messages in the mother bear's mouth. She tells the cubs the ice will be there as long as they "take care of it". Which, of course, brings up the question of how a polar bear is supposed to "take care" of the ice. If you're going to write a book with an environmental message, it needs to explain who the real culprit is, and not just pass the responsibility on to animals who have no control over the situation.

As for the illustrations... well, they're kind of beautiful, but at first I thought they were done in a style of some Arctic peoples. They're not. The author and illustrator are both of Indian descent, and their previous collaboration--in the same style--was set in India. Make of that what you will. (I was a little disappointed when I realized that the illustrations were not in an actual Arctic style. I don't necessarily think this is cultural appropriation, but I wonder why, if the author wanted to tell a story about the perils of melting ice, she couldn't have written a story about melting glaciers in the Himalayas or something. Then the style of artwork would've at least been geographically appropriate.)

So, this wasn't terrible, but readers should be aware that they're not necessarily going to be getting artwork representative of the area where the story is set. I'm also not sure that passing responsibility for melting sea ice on to the polar bears is the best message.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! The sweet text is reassuring as the mother bear soothes her cubs' worries, providing them with guidance for what they can do in future situations that may make them nervous, but also drawing them back to the present where they are snug with her. The illustrations here absolutely wowed me -- they are exquisite, full of details and so immersive. I felt utterly transported to the snowy world of these polar bears. I am now seeking out all of illustrator Poonam Mistry's books!

Though this was a five-star reading experience for me, after reading I saw my GoodRead friend Hilary's review and felt she made a good point when she said, "I didn't like the part where the cubs are worried the ice will melt and the mother tells the cubs that would only happen if we don't take care of it, obviously the polar bears aren't to blame for this which is a bit confusing. " I suppose the "we" is to make readers think about their role but, for that matter, it's not exactly children's fault, either. So, I think it would have been better if the mother bear said something like "only if the planet is not cared for" or something to that extent. Still, I appreciated that it is a gentle message of environmental stewardship for this age group, that was nice compared to some of what I've been reading lately that is so heavy.
(Hilary's review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)

My friend GoodReads friend Abigail addresses the criticism some have aimed at this book "because Mistry's style is inspired by various folk arts of India, rather than being native to the Arctic." I agree with her points that this really should not be a criticism here, so will simply link to her review, with appreciation that she already explained it so eloquently:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chitra Soundar and Poonam Mistry, the author/illustrator team responsible for that lovely bedtime book, You're Safe With Me , return to the form in this second offering, and the result is a triumph. A mother polar bear digs herself a den, gives birth to two cubs, and continually reassures them that they are snug with her, as she explains the larger world to them...

Although You're Snug With Me makes for a lovely reassurance story, it is also an exploration of the natural world of the Arctic, and of issues of environmental stewardship. I appreciated the simple narrative from Soundar, but the stand-out here for me was the gorgeously detailed folk-style artwork from Mistry, which is simply stunning. I have seen this book criticized, because Mistry's style is inspired by various folk arts of India, rather than being native to the Arctic. As someone who has read numerous Arctic stories illustrated with various Western, European-derived styles of illustration (probably the majority of picture-books are illustrated in these styles, in fact), I was not unduly disturbed by the use of an Indian-inspired style. Perhaps I would feel differently if this were a traditional folktale, although it's worth noting that the Inuit-owned Inhabit Media, which publishes exclusively Arctic-related fare, utilizes numerous illustrators who do not work in a traditional Inuit style. Recommended to readers looking for beautifully-illustrated reassurance stories for bedtime and/or stories about polar bears and the Arctic.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow up to You're Safe With Me this picture book with its intricate drawings is must have for any child's bookshelf. Poonam Mistry's utterly gorgeous illustrations are endlessly fascinating and Chitra Soundar's text is comforting and gently informative. With a conservation message that is never in your face this wonderful book would be treasured by anyone that you gift it to - keeping your own copy safe of course!

[Care · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous intricate illustrations and a heartwarming message. There is a time for every question and mama bear is honest. Some references to climate change and sustainable relationships with our ecosystems too, hurrah!

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing that strikes the reader about this picture book is the gorgeous art, with kaleidoscopic patterns in an evocative palette of dusky tones of lavender, yellow, brown and gray. Ink on paper, with digital finishing, the art is mesmerizing in its use of small details to create the larger animals and landscape. The folkloric motifs and undulating lines are repeated throughout to create snowflakes, stars, trees, mountains and the creatures of the polar lands. Wow! The story is very simple: a mama bear in her winter den answers the questions of her curious babies about the world around them. She describes their environment, and the care it requires, always ending with “But you’re snug with me.” Such a lovely and comforting refrain, instilling in young children the security of familial love and the imperative to care for our world.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of this picture book is decent enough but the illustrations may be the most beautiful I've ever seen. Actually breathtaking.

[Ann Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated but I felt like it was a work of art to be studied rather than a book to be read. The text was appropriate for young readers, the illustrations a little complex perhaps.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

The companion book to "You're Safe with Me", this one features a mother polar bear comforting her cubs during the long winter.

Soundar's text is again, very reassuring as the mother repeats her mantra over and over until Spring arrives. The cubs are sincere in their concerns and fears. Poonam's Mistry's artwork again astounds. The book opens with an illustration of the mother polar bear, with two cubs in her womb. She gives birth to them, cleaning them with her tongue. As in the first book, the illustrations are rich in detail and very reflective of Indian culture. This time her color palette is largely white, gold, blue and brown with navy blue as the dark contrasting color.

Snuggle up in a blanket with some hot chocolate as you read this one!

High Recommendation for grades Preschool - 3.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a cozy story for winter. You're Snug With Me by Chitra Soundar and illustrated by Poonam Mistry is a warm-hearted story about polar bears and their arctic environment. The illustrations are an intricate tapestry of yellows, purples and blues, and the text is a gentle reminder to take care of the world we love. Like Marie-Louise Gay's Stella series, the young ones ask many questions, but in You're Snug With Me, the answers are less whimsical and more wise.

[A Severs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Breathtaking illustrations - and absolute feast for the eyes. And such heartwarming text imagining a polar bear teaching her cubs about the world in which they are to live.

[Jill Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text is a little generic, but it's the illustrations that really pop. The surreal, stylized, even hallucinogenic artwork is truly captivating to the eye and a joy to look at.

[I _teach_muggles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter has arrived and it is time for Mama Bear to hunker down for the cold months that lie ahead. She curls up in her new home, waiting for her two cubs to be born. Like all young, the two cubs are curious about the world outside of the den and need the answers to lots of big, important questions. Mama Bear tells them of lands of ice and snow, of oceans, of light and dark, of other animals, and about growing up. Overwhelmed by all of this and the vast world that lies outside of the snug den, Mama Bear reassures them that they need not be afraid and offers the most comforting of words, “Hush now, you’re snug with me.”

I love the story and the messages that Chitra Soundar includes in her narrative. Soundar tells an informative story set in the polar lands of a polar bear surviving the winter months and her nurturing responsibilities as she raises her cubs. Woven into this narrative are messages on the importance of nature and how it should be respected, only taking what we need and encouraging us all to be more careful with resources.

The illustrations are exquisite and are made up of dots and swirls. The shades of blues and creams are perfect for the icy landscape of the frozen polar lands.

The authors note at the back is full of fascinating information about polar bears and the lands that they inhabit. It also includes a message that this planet is our only home and that we all have a duty to look after it. And as Mama Bear tells her cubs, “We should only ever take what we need.”

A lovey book that celebrates the nurturing of two young cubs and the special relationship between mother and offspring. The added bonus of informative and timely advice on the environment and delightful artwork make this a hit of a picture book.

Recommended for 6+.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new picture book follows You’re Safe with Me, this time journeying to the Arctic. A mother polar bear digs a den deep in the snow and there she gives birth to two cubs. Once they are born, she tells them “You’re snug with me.” As the cubs grow up, they have lots of questions about the world outside their den. Their mother answers all of them, ending each answer with “You’re snug with me.” The bears talk about taking care of their snowy home, of ice melting and how important the oceans and ice are for their survival. Eventually, the season changes and the cubs are large enough to head out into the world with their mother who still tells them they are snug with her.

The poetic text of this picture book offers both a snug den and a warmth but also a journey into the frozen world of the Arctic. Soundar also inserts environmental information into the swirling text, creating moments to learn about our interconnected world and the perils of the polar bears. The use of a refrain in the book anchors it firmly to oral traditional tales, making it all the more impactful.

Mistry’s illustrations are exceptional. Here she has created Arctic landscapes out of a series of geometric patterns that celebrate the cold, snow, and ice. The bears too as well as their den is filled with the motions of these detailed and patterned images. These are illustrations to linger and marvel over.

Another unique picture book from this team, this time focused on polar bears and the environment. Appropriate for ages 2-4.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the few where the illustrations outshine the content. The story is nice, but the baby polar bear worries about the ice melting and the mother polar bear says something like we'll have to take care of it, or something like that. How does a polar bear take care of it? Didn't make sense. I didn't get really into the story as much as I turned the pages to see what illustrations were on the next page. These illustrations to me look like something that (without the wording, just the illustrations) could be sold at an art gallery. This is a book that even after you've read it you pick up now and then just to be refreshed by thumbing through the pages. Having said that I kind of expected the artwork to be Eskimo, Innuit, whatever, but it was actually Indian (not Native American). Odd, but still incredible, doesn't change that, just odd.

Of course I'm speaking as an adult. I'm not sure how much the illustrations would appeal to a child. But then again it might encourage them to create their own illustrations, to do their own artwork.

Okay, I've decided. Buy the book for the kids, keep it for all of you.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Complemented with striking illustrations created with ink and then completed digitally, this picture book provides gentle reassurance to little ones. A polar bear mother settles into a den, gives birth, and then tenderly cares for her offspring, addressing their curious questions about life outside the den. Even when she tells them that eventually they were separate, she reminds them repeatedly that they are safe and snug right now. The cubs are slightly anxious about exploring the new world that opens up to them once spring arrives, but they are okay to take some risks after all her support. This picture book might be good to share with youngsters who are getting ready to take some first steps of their own out of the family nest. I have to say that I was mesmerized by the images. I would never have thought of depicting polar bears and the Arctic in such a way, but it works very well here. Even I felt reassured, safe and warm.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the story and message behind this book, the author tries to get across the fact that the planet needs looking after by everyone and we should be aware that we share it with other creatures and it is not just for us. There are links to looking after the environment and what could happen if we don’t. I also like the repetition of the questions asked by the cubs. The illustrations are nice and I like the colourful effect, however, I did find them quite distracting and overwhelming when trying to read the book which I think children would have similar experiences of. I do think they are interesting to look at and a nice alternative approach to illustrations.

[Ersa S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate having to leave a review this low on such a fantastic story, but the intricate illustrations were too complex for me. It gave me a headache trying to identify bits of the illustrations, especially the baby polar bears snuggling with mama polar bear. Hard to find where one bear started and the other ended.

With that said, however, I loved the actual storytelling of the book. It was great to see how the mama polar bear explained about life above the snow and how she would prepare her cubs for life above when spring came. I also really enjoyed the note to the reader at the end of the book! Learned me something new!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reassuring book with a Mama Polar Bear answering her cubs' copious questions about their arctic home. Soundar lightly touches on themes of climate change, the change of seasons, being a responsible citizen (bear) and taking care of nature, with none of Mama Bear's answers sounding a wrong note. Mistry complements with a backdrop of intricate illustrations that are somewhat reminiscent of indigenous art. I think it would be best with ages 4-7.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is stunning. Does it tell the story? Kind of. For that matter, was the story engaging? Not really. It's about a mama bear and her cubs in the artic winter, which is a common children's book topic. It doesn't rhyme and it doesn't flow all that well (though that's partly because I stop and look at the art on every page). The sentiment is fine. But, really, this is mostly an art book.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book! The illustrations are amazing, the repetitive phrase reassuring and an important topic of taking care of our planet necessary in today's times. My favorite part of the book: "'Will you stay with us always?' they asked. 'Only until you're ready to be on your own,' said Mama Bear." I can see using this book in so many ways--whether as a read aloud or to inspire a discussion! Two thumbs up!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The finely detailed, exquisite illustrations of this book immediately caught my eye. The soothing repetitions of this story make it perfect for bedtime, while also teaching a bit about animals and the importance of being respectful of the Earth without being preachy. You will want to flip through this one multiple times just to take in the harmony of all the delicately drawn shapes and restful colors.

[Taylor7778]

Source: Booklist
Age Range: 3-7
Evaluation of Quality: The intricate and colorfully patterned illustrations on each page warrant multiple re-reads.
Assessment of potential use: It can be used as a bedtime story due to the repetitive "you're snug with me" refrain.
Assessment of appeal to children: Children will feel comforted by the mother bear's assurances and will love the beautiful designs.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's winter, and a polar bear gives birth to two cubs while snug in her den. As winter passes, and the cubs grow they question their mother about the world outside of their den. Mama bear answers all of the cub's questions, and with each explanation she reassures them that they are safe and snug with her.

[Zoey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations! The title phrase repeats throughout the book in a way that is at times nonsensical, but the overall sense is of young ones learning that the world is full of wonder and that they are powerful and do not need to fear, but need to care for the world. Which is, in fact, the author’s intended message, overtly but deftly communicated.

[Cindy Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually review children's books on here. I read thousands of them to my kids, but this one is just gorgeous. The artwork is so different from any other book out there. I like the lesson the mama bear teaches her cub about not taking more from the earth than what they need. Beautiful story, both my 9 and 4 year old loved it.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this didn't quite pack the same punch as You're Safe With Me, but I still like it. The illustrations are just as breathtaking and I like that there's a light touch of STEM.