Little Squirrels in the Forest

Famiglia Scoiattoli

by Kazuo Iwamura

Let's follow the three little squirrels to experience spring, summer, autumn, and winter together in the forest. What did they see? What did they hear? What did they find? What have they learned? The spring is here, where does all the snow from winter go? Let's follow the squirrels, crossing the creeks, flows with tree trunks and welcome spring!

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Nature, Juvenile

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Iwamura was born in Tokyo and studied industrial arts at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. He is the illustrator of many best-selling picture books in Japan.

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 Stars

Squirrel siblings Mick, Mack, and Molly are curious about the melting snow. Their father explains that spring turns snow into water. The trio is curious and ends up on a small adventure as they explore what happens to the melting snow.

The book was written in Japanese and published with the same illustrations in 1985. The text has been translated into English, and it shows in the forced rhyming that affects the flow. I don’t know if the book tries to follow the rhyme scheme of the original (in which case, it was a bad idea). Free verse with rhymes where they fit would have been easier to read.

However, the illustrations make up for this. The full-page watercolor art is warm without being overly so. It seems to depict the transition period more than the actual spring. The greens are muted, and the branches are almost bare, with teeny leaves sprouting all over.

Most pages have a green hue that makes it seem like we are viewing the book through a green-tinted lens. The squirrels are the cutest in their little dresses, pointy ears, and bushy tails. The papa squirrel has eyeglasses too!

To summarize, Good-bye, Winter! Hello, Spring! is a cute and cozy read about changing seasons and the adventures of three squirrel siblings.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and NorthSouth Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

#GoodbyeWinterHelloSpring #NetGalley

[itselv:#&309;]

قصة مصورة للأطفال، الرسومات فيها احترافية وظريفة للغاية، والمغزى من القصة جميل وإن كنت اتمنى لو كان أكثر وضوحًا ودقة. تُرجمت من اليابانية والمترجم لم يفسد القافية، واستطيع تخيل كيف كان اتقان ذلك صعبًا.
كقصة للأطفال هي ممتازة لكن كبالغ لم يلفت انتباهي إلّا دقة الترجمة وجمال الرسومات (:

[zaikanshu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to pick up this tittle because I already read other Author's book, this book is also as beautiful as other. The book also follows the three squirrel siblings Mick, Mack, and Molly for a journey that teach them about a lesson. The story is simple yet fun and I think it would be a perfect cozy read with my nices and nephews. Thank you NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful imagery that calls back to my 1980s childhood. Easy to understand lessons. Great for younger readers as the seasons change.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good-bye, Winter! Hello, Spring! by Kazuo Iwamura is a cut story about three young squirrels, Mick, Mack, and Molly, waking up to spring's arrival and melting snow. They venture out to see where the snow goes when it melts. They end up on a fallen tree in a stream that turns into a lake. Getting scared they meet some ducks that take them back to the shore and explain that the water in the lake goes into the river then the sea. They also tell the ducks that they will be leaving for the north, but will be back again and meet them next spring.

The original book was written in Japanese in 1985 and translated to English. This was probably why the cadence of the rhyming text has some rough spots and some of the rhymes seem forced. I did stumble a couple of times when reading to my grandchildren, but it wasn't too bad. I absolutely loved the illustrations. They are watercolour images with the animals looking very realistic even thought they were anthropomorphized. The colours are muted and perfectly depict the spring season waking up the world. This was a cute spring adventure story that also teaches a few things about spring along the way. My grandkids enjoyed the story and listened attentively. After reading we went back through and talked about the illustrations, the signs and spring and the danger of riding a tree trunk down a stream for young children. A winning story for us and one I recommend to families with young children, daycare, kindergartens and primary classrooms.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was wanting to read this on the Spring equinox but work instead got in the way and only remembered it once it was long past that time. Fortunately it seems as if all the flowers are out, the weather is now just starting to warm and the only "flakes" we have falling is the pollen from the trees.

Good-bye, Winter! Hello, Spring! is a story that explores one batch of red squirrels possibly as the squirrel pups learn what it means for one season to give to another. Instead of being happy with what their father tells them is going on they choose to explore the events going on around them and as a result find themselves in a bit of a pickle.

What I must say is that this book was beautifully illustrated and has nice full colored illustrations to cover the pages. Although the colors were rather mute including with the mallard ducks the details most definitely made up for that lack. To me, though, the only thing that I may complain on the illustration portion was the fact that the squirrels seemed rather much smaller than they should have been in real life thus making for an awkward perspective over all.

All in all this is one book that although not clear on seasonal change much may still interest children who are curious about the changes in the world around them and the resulting adventures that take them happily out into the woods or any green spot nearby.

**I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the sun sets on another winter's day here in Alaska, I could appreciate the lovely illustrations and thoughts of Spring. I'm thinking watercolor with some whimsical animals in, hmm, maybe pen and ink. In any case, they're lovely. They made me grin as I wondered if Nemesis, as I've dubbed the squirrel who annoys my dog to no end just by existing, ever ponders such deep questions as "Where does the snow go when it melts?" Perhaps not, but it's a cute, fun story that children can enjoy.

Three squirrel siblings set off to find out the answer to that question for themselves. In the process, they traipse through illustrations showing that, yes, the world looks very different as the snow melts. They even get a lift from some new friends, friends depicted in lifelike detail. Best of all, it's all told in rhyme. True, a few times it seemed a bit off but I blame that on the translation to English. It didn't distract.

Bottom line, a short, fun story, superbly illustrated, some adventure, and it even teaches us something. What's not to like? Thanks @NetGalley and #NorthSouthBooks for introducing me to this new-to-me creative soul. It made my day a bit better just be existing.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three adventurous little squirrels wonder what will happen to all the snow as winter melts into spring in this charming story book for young readers.

Squirrel siblings Mick, Mack, and Molly explore all the places snow covers as the weather warms and snow begins to disappear. They find a fallen log in a thawing stream and jump on their “tree-trunk boat” for a downriver float. When their little craft is endangered in a big deep lake, the furry trio is rescued by some friendly ducks.

Full of whimsy and reflection, this sweet and gentle story about the passing of seasons is told in serene and gentle rhyme that will appeal to young readers. The language is age-appropriate and easy-to-understand. The rhyme is natural and not forced or contrived. The story’s length is just right. It’s long enough to convey essential themes but not so long that it will strain young attention spans.

Beautifully illustrated, Goodbye, Winter! Hello Spring! is a pitch-perfect bedtime story, but little ones will enjoy it any time.

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two titles have come to my attention that are perhaps confusingly similar – both from the same author, same publishing house. They're part of the same set, too. "Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!" is a wonderful look at the end of winter, as three squirrel siblings have a dramatic escapade courtesy of all the snowmelt in their forest. What's even better is the sustained rhyming narrative, making this a joy to read – and the great visuals don't hurt much, either. "Hooray for Spring!" has the three critters enjoying their nature discoveries, until they spot a hungry little chick, and cannot for the life of them find anything suitable for it to eat. It's a charming piece itself, but on the back of the first book you cannot hope but regret the verse format did not come along for the ride too. Five stars for the poetry and drama of the longer title, but still a strong four for its follow-up. The whole year is available across multiple other volumes, so surely this is a set to collect and adore.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A seasonal story, now available in English, from Japanese master of children’s book illustration Kazuo Iwamura."

In the forest the snow is melting as Spring arrives but where does all that water go? Three little sibling squirrels Mick, Mack, and Molly are sceptical that snow can actually turn into water. Is that really true? They need to find out.

This fun adventure story follows the three little squirrels as they explore a stream that turns into a brook, which ultimately ends up in a lake. They board a floating log to examine the water's journey more closely and find they are adrift far from their home. Luckily some ducks approach the three and rescue them taking them safely back to shore where they are met by worried parents wondering where their three kits have been.

Imamura's illustrations are soft and very Beatrix Potter like. I love them. This adventure story would be a great addition to a classroom and school library. I highly recommend it!

[Andrea Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good-bye Winter! Hello, Spring!
5 Stars

In this book, we join three squirrel siblings, Mick, Mack and Molly, on their adventure to find what happened to all the snow, and where water flows once it melts?

I found the charming nature scenes with our curious squirrels gorgeous. The illustrations are easy on the eyes. I love the artist's use of a muted palette; it makes the brighter characters pop off the page. My favorite illustration is the majestic duck boats delivering the squirrels back to safety.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It's well balanced! A heartwarming story with lovely illustrations. This is a great choice for any library or classroom. I love how a little science is included in this great tale.

Thank you, NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc., for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley, NorthSouth Books Inc., and the author Kazuo Iwamura for this book. This is a story of three squirrel-siblings who embark on an adventure in the river that is full of melted snow. This was first published in the Japanese in the 80s and was translated recently to English and it is part of a series of seasonal stories. The illustrations are gorgeous and remind me of the cartoon I used to watch when I was little. I love it when the main characters are small animals who talk and behave properly. It reminds me of Narnia and the borrowers. Such a lovely book and a much needed distraction.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A new spring story from the Japanese master of children's book illustration, Kazuo Iwamura."

Beautifully illustrated story for young children told through the point of view of squirrel siblings who upon going out to play discover melting snow. Spring is upon us and it's a lovely and fun lesson on the changing seasons. Children will be delighted to go on an adventure with the squirrels as they discover the changing season, get into mischief and are rescued and brought back home.

Children will be delighted with this one.

Pub Date: 05 Mar 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[charlene.librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iwamura is known as "one of the most famous picture book artists in Japan" who has won many awards and who founded the Museum for Picture Book Illustrations in Tochigi, Japan. Squirrel siblings Mick, Mack, and Molly learn about the cycle of snow to sky and to streams and also have an adventure as well. I find the illustration delicate and gentle with predominantly light blues and greens and browns. Watercolor and ink, I believe. The mallard ducks are beautiful with all their details. A fine story to usher in spring.

[FM Family · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but not the best in the series. Strangely it’s the only one we’ve come across so far which rhymes, and the rhyming scheme is definitely inconsistent at parts, though not bad. But actually it almost tricks you that way because it’s quite smooth until in a few spots where it isn’t and it trips you up reading aloud.

Does a decent job showing the transition from winter to spring, mostly focussed around snow melt and shows the little squirrels interacting with other animals in the forest and learning more about the seasons.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good-bye, Winter! Hello, Spring! is a lovely picture book about three sibling squirrels who learn about what happens to snow when Winter ends and Spring arrives. The melting snow sends them on an adventure. This tale shows there is no better way to learn than through experience.

Very sweet watercolor illustrations of the woodsy setting with brightly colored woodland critters.

This picture book has been translated from Japanese which have been successfully translated into lyrical rhymes. All I can say is that I wish this tale was longer!

[Anita Salát · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book has a nice oldies vibe. No wonder - the Japanese original was published in the 80s. Yet, the story is timeless: children asking questions about nature and the cycle of life, and going on adventures to figure out the answers.

If you want the traditional feel of a children book, this is for you. My daughter liked these cute squirrels and their quest to find out what happens to the snow when the winter is over.

Thanks NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for an ARC.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good-bye, Winter! Hello, Spring by Kazuo Iwamura is a cute tale of 3 squirrel siblings that go on an adventure when the snow starts to melt around them. I read this to my 6 year old son and we loved the illustrations and rhyming. It also has a good message to the story. I will definitely recommend and would purchase.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reading copy. All views and thoughts are my own.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beautiful illustrations are the best part of this book. I like to read children's books that have a good rhythm, but this one felt a bit stilted despite the rhyming pattern. I attributed this to the fact that the original story was written in Japanese. Unfortunately, I also discovered that there were quite a few lines missing in the galley I downloaded via NetGalley as compared to the sample pages I could view on Amazon.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
Three squirrel siblings go on an adventure as they follow what happens to the snow. Spring has come and the snow is melting. The three squirrels follow the snow melt to a stream where they hop on a log. They ride the log until the stream empties into a lake. Here they are rescued by ducks and brought back home where they tell their parents what they have learned.

[Nikki Kwon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, NorthSouth Books, and Kazuo Iwamura, for sending me a digital copy for review.

Mick, Mack, and Molly discover what happens when spring starts. The Father Squirrel teaches them while the family go out on an adventure.

Compared to Hooray Spring, this book is more focused and helps children to learn about seasonal changes. The themes are simple and could also be used as class material.

I would recommend this book to learn about seasons.

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐

Hmmm not impressed. I don't understand why picture books often force themselves to rhyme instead of just letting the prose flow. It just ends up sounding very awkward and unnatural like with this book. Cute story with lovely illustrations though. Good for light reading and kids.

Thank you NorthSouth Books for the Netgalley ARC.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three curious squirrel kids emerge one day and discover that the snow is disappearing. Where is it going? The three follow their curiosity through a warmly painted landscape to discover the truth of the changing seasons.

Overall, quite cute. This is a fun book for any reading, but it's definitely one I'll consider for a science unit for my youngest readers around springtime.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adventure of Mick, Mack and Molly into the spring. Little squirrels are surprised to see their pretty snow melted. So they go for an adventure finding out where does the snow go. A prettily illustrated book, like all Mr. Iwamura's oeuvre, and this one rhymed also, and an easy read for parents with little children.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natural and magical and endearing. The illustrations are extraordinary, conjuring winter and spring so you can feel the coolness, the moisture, and the wind, and feel the situation the little squirrels get themselves into. This book is beautiful.

[DeA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of the two little squirrels exploring their wood to figure out what happens to the snow when it melts. It was a bit long for a toddler storytime but would probably do fine for elementary aged students; especially if they are studying about the water cycle.

[Emma Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for sure, this was the sweetest little picture book about three baby squirrels waking up to find that the winter’s snow has melted. Off they go on an exploring adventure! The illustrations are soft and gorgeous and it took two seconds to read. Absolutely darling.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning book, the artwork is gorgeous and the tale was a delight to read with my girls, I will be buying a physical copy to keep I loved it so much

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Newshoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this children's book from beginning to end. This book has some really good depictions of the seasons changing and following the adventures of Mick, Mack, and Molly as they go about discovering what happens to snow in spring is really a cute tale. This book is also reads with great rhythm as each page is written as a small poem. I love the flow and style of writing.

The illustrations are adorable - and really capture their adventure. They are simple and not overly detailed but just enough for readers to view quickly as they are turning the pages, but detailed enough to keep kids interested while reading.

I would love to read the other stories mentioned at the end to follow Mick, Mack, and Molly on further adventures.

Recommended ages: 3-7 yrs old
#GoodbyeWinterHelloSpring #NetGalley #KazouIwamura

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely has a retro feel to it, especially the illustrations, which I loved. The rythm of the rhyming wasn't too bad, either, though a little rough in spots. All in all, this was a fun little read that kids would probably enjoy enough to choose it over and over.