Gabriel FaintHeart

Value Tales from the Land of Barely There

by Stephen Cosgrove, Wendy Edelson (Illustrator)

Winter in Barely There only ends when the groundhog, Gabriel FaintHeart, steps out into the light of day and sees his shadow. This year there is no end to winter because Gabriel refuses to leave his burrow in fear of scary things that might be lurking in the shadows. Children of all ages learn to step into the light and to fear not those mind-made things.

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serendipity is his most celebrated book series, but Stephen Cosgrove brings another realm of enchantment to life in Barely There, a land "Farther than far and to the very edge of the horizon...a land filled with untouched magic." Tucked away at the end of a winding underground tunnel, beyond a cozy fireplace and sturdy wooden door, Gabriel T. FaintHeart sleeps. A groundhog can get comfortable snoozing for months, even whole seasons, but the reason FaintHeart has entered hibernation prior to Groundhog Day is that he's scared. Long, dark winter shadows may conceal razor-toothed beasts and other harrowing sights, and FaintHeart would rather hole up until the cold season is over. The woodland animals are concerned: how will winter recede without the groundhog to exit his burrow and see his shadow?

FaintHeart remains undisturbed by the outside world until a sharp knocking sounds on his bedroom door. Pulled from deep slumber, the groundhog panics: has a shadow monster invaded his home? But it's only a bunny, dressed warm against the frigid winter air. FaintHeart is needed, the bunny insists, to usher in springtime. Who else can banish winter by mere sight of his shadow upon the snow? FaintHeart has no intention of venturing out, and unceremoniously shuts the door in the bunny's face. Winter may not end at all this year.

The woodland creatures send the bunny back inside, refusing to take no for an answer, but now FaintHeart won't even open his door. Perhaps his anxiety could be dispelled if his friends show him that shadows loom large, but rarely hold a real threat. In fact, they can be a jumping-off point for artistic expression and meaningful commentary if you allow your mind to explore the possibilities. The animals are ready to help FaintHeart take that deliberate step from his tunnel into the outside world, where the natural magic of a gopher can coax forth the cheery breeze of a new spring season. The joys of warmth, light, and love are waiting to embrace the land of Barely There.

Gabriel FaintHeart is a thematic sibling of Dr. Seuss's What Was I Scared Of?, a book which acknowledged that life's shadows can be terrifying, but fear is usually worse than reality. We startle at shadows and run from the rumble of distant beasts, but when we stand our ground, the object of fear often turns out to be nothing. We mustn't live life stewing over hypotheticals and haints, locked inside our homes to eliminate danger; when we do, existence becomes a curse. Participating in the world necessitates risk, but life's rewards outweigh any false sense of absolute security. Wendy Edelson's illustrations are quaint and lovely, a significant part of Gabriel FaintHeart's charm. The story could use more detail, though. Why is FaintHeart particularly scared this year? Did something traumatic disrupt his normal routine leading up to Groundhog Day? The rhyme scheme is a bit erratic, but I don't much mind that. All factors weighed, Gabriel FaintHeart is a compelling reminder that we shouldn't let fear run amok, and I'd rate the book two and a half stars. I like the feel of the Barely There series, and would love to read more. Stephen Cosgrove's storytelling is a pleasure.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Stephen Cosgrove’s books...and this series is a charming addition to the Serendipity books c: