Winter's Child

by Mary K. Whittington, Sue Ellen Brown

Despite the warnings of his only friend, the North Wind, lonely Winter lovingly nurtures Spring, the small child he finds, and as she grows tall and beautiful, he grows older and weaker, until it is time for the seasons to change.

Genres: Picture Books

1 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 1992

Reviews

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day Winter, with his dogs and his friend, North Wind, take a walk. Winter finds a baby lying in the snow. North Wind knows that the baby is Spring, and she warns Winter that one day Spring will drive him away. Winter ignores her warning and takes Spring home. He raises her as his own daughter. Winter is very happy. As Spring grows into a tall, beautiful young woman, Winter grows old. One day Winter wakes to find Spring gone. He follows her footsteps into the forest. She is beside a frozen pond. At her touch the ice melts. In the water's reflection Winter sees that he is an old man. As Spring walks home the snow she passes melts and in its place grass grows. At home their ice flowers are dying. Winter consoles Spring by telling that they may live again someday. Spring tucks her father, Winter, into bed then runs out into the warm green morning.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The personification of Winter discovers the infant personification of Spring and raises her as his child even though she will one day replace him.

A lovely metaphor for Winter and Spring, beautifully illustrated.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, touching story that personifies winter as an old man, and spring a young girl.

[Aleisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. This is one weird tale. It is beautifully illustrated and beautifully told. Yet it tries to be an extended metaphor that I can't quite make work for me.