When the Wind Bears Go Dancing

by Phoebe Stone

Who hasn't wondered what's going on when the wind outside your window blows and howls all night long? In this magical explanation for stormy weather, one small child joins the wild and wooly Wind Bears as they cavort in the moonlit sky to music performed by the stormy night band.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Before concentrating on creating books for children and young adults, Phoebe Stone had a very successful career established as a fine art's painter. During that time, she received two Vermont Council on the Arts Fellowships in painting and exhibited her work in many museums and galleries all around New England and New York City, and influenced many New England artists with her unique, brightly colored narrative and metaphorical style. "I was already working in sequences," she says, "but at some point I began to realize that I could combine my love for images and words in picture books for children."

Phoebe's picture books include When Wind Bear Goes Dancing, What Night do the Angels Wander, and Go Away, Shelly Boo! Original art from When Wind Bear Goes Dancing was included in the Society of Illustrators' Original Art '97 show. Go Away, Shelly Boo! was chosen as an American Bookseller Association's Pick of the Lists.

She has also written three novels, All the Blue Moons at the Wallace Hotel, Sonata #1 for Riley Red, and Deep Down Popular. The New York Times said of All the Blue Moons at the Wallace Hotel, "Stone's prose is poetic." The Boston Globe said of Sonata #1 for Riley Red, "Literature doesn't get much better than this."
Phoebe Stone lives in Middlebury, Vermont.

Reviews

[R.E. Conary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the illustrations. Reminds me of Chagall.

[createitlibrarian (Amanda)]

Not my kind of book, but other people like this. So basically it's hard for me to be the judge. But I won't be using it in storytime unless I want to put everyone to sleep.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I'd much like this book -- I never liked dancing bears, especially the one on Captain Kangaroo -- but I did find the cover artwork interesting, and I'm a sucker for a signed book, so I picked it up. But I was wrong. I do like this book.

I think it is such a lovely explanation for a night thunderstorm. There is a lush dream-like quality to the illustrations, and they feature animals playing musical instruments. So much to love!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm late in discovering this beautiful book. The rhyme is spot on and well complemented by vibrant illustrations. A gorgeous lyrical story that you'll want to read over and over again---perfect for bedtime.