When the Fog Rolls In

by Pam Fong

When a thick fog rolls in, an irresistible little puffin is lost in unfamiliar territory. When the Fog Rolls In is an exceptional picture book about navigating uncertainty, opening your mind, and finding your way back to your flock. On a clear day, it’s easy to see your way. But when the fog rolls in, it’s hard to know which way to go. Sometimes the only way to escape the fog is to go through it, knowing that the big, bright world is waiting for you on the other side. With a sensitive, layered text and atmospheric, lush illustrations, author-artist Pam Fong has crafted a tenderhearted story about a lost puffin finding its way through foggy circumstances. This expressive picture book will help readers—and their parents—talk about feeling lost, making decisions, and broadening their perspectives. As in the acclaimed A Spark in the Dark , Pam Fong’s When the Fog Rolls In masterfully tackles nuanced emotions in a way that’s accessible for young children. When the Fog Rolls In is an excellent choice for social and emotional learning for readers of Cori Doerrfeld’s The Rabbit Listened and Dan Santat’s After the Fall . 

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork is soothing and lovely, the story carries a simple but solid reminder to children of all ages that difficult times can be acknowledged and endured, with the hope of something better at the end of the fog.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puffins are wonderful.
The illustrations are just as magical as the story.
I loved the walrus!

[SaraKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story that is a metaphor for going through tough times. It shows kids how going through a 'fog' can be scary and immobilizing, but if you take things step by step and stop to think, you can emerge through to the other side. The illustrations are dreamy and lovely. And puffins are always great!

[Tiffany S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork from the cover to the contents inside drew me in. The soft soothing atmosphere of the artwork compliments the message of the book. A young puffin is separated from its flock when the fog comes in. It showcases a wonderful message to young readers who may be going through difficult and perhaps scary times, that it's okay to take things step by step. I thought that the way that the words flowed through the book as well as the muted soft earthy colors utilized in this book helped make this a calming read.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a thick fog rolls in, an irresistible little puffin is lost in unfamiliar territory. When the Fog Rolls In is an exceptional picture book about navigating uncertainty, opening your mind, and finding your way back to your flock. On a clear day, it's easy to see your way. But when the fog rolls in, ia little puffin is unsure which way to go. An expressive story with lush, atmospheric, lush illustrations about feeling lost, making decisions, and broadening perspectives.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable puffin is caught far from the flock when a thick fog rolls in. How can he find his way home? Sometimes, the puffin decides the best way is to go directly through it. Fong's muted illustrations on filmy paper are beautifully created as well as engaging for a young reader. The metaphor central to the story makes for a wonderful discussion starter about dealing with fear or difficult emotional issues. But the story is enjoyable also simply as a story to enjoy.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple book for young children about how to get through difficult times. In this case an adorable puffin has become separated from his friends when a heavy fog rolls in. Standing still does not bring him closer so he presses on, sometimes stumbling along. Ultimately the fog lifts allowing him to see how close he truly is. The simplicity of this story makes the message seem stronger in the face of uncertainty, an important lesson for all.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the fog rolls in it can be difficult to find your way. You may be tempted to sit in one place, but it is better to continue to move, paying attention to the world around you. The more you see, the clearer the path will be.

This book is a poetic admonition for those who feel lost. The art work is gorgeous. I love how when more attention is paid to the illustrations, you receive necessary information to see them in context. #PuffinsAreDarling

[Amy Pickett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young puffin gets lost in the fog and learns some valuable lessons about persevering in the face of uncertainty. Illustrations that depict how fog can obscure what's real are especially memorable. This picture book could also be used with older students to introduce the idea of symbolism. Thank you to Edelweiss and Greenwillow Books for an advance e-galley!

[Alene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intelligent book that parents/caregivers can appreciate as they read to their little ones. Themes of fear, uncertainty, and being stuck. These are very real emotions that we all experience, regardless of age. Author Pam Fong relays the story with sensitivity and truth with soft, yet bold, watercolors to convey the visual experience.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having lived many days of my life with fog, I was hoping for story about foggy mornings and fog settling in at night, seeing the fog burn off as the sun rises and peeks through the fog layers. Instead this is more of a philosophical story about things will be better. eventually. I did enjoy the illustrations of the puffins.

[Courtenay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story that adults can appreciate as a metaphor for the big obstacles in life that get in everyone's way. I adore picture books that deliver on multiple levels, and the fact that this features a puffin is awesome. Well done.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art. A little puffin gets lost in the fog and then finds his bearings again.
The SEL metaphor will likely be lost on the target audience--young children. But they will enjoy the lovely illustrations and the happy ending.

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover drew me in, with the lovely little puffin. Yes, the puffins were quite cute. The story and message were alright, but I didn't love it. I think it left me wanting a little more from the concept and plot. I'd be happy to utilize this book from my local library and to read this with kids.

[Kelly]

This is borderline Caldecott contender for me. It's really beautiful. Great undies, too.

[szreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty pictures and a good message! I do wish it was a bit longer but I’d definitely read it again!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art in this picture book is very lovely and soothing -- even when it is a little bit frightening. But the text was a little preachy and too full of platitudes for my taste.

[KMitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations support the story. Nice allegory for life... keep going!

[Becky Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, gorgeous and effective book for anyone who has ever felt lost.

[Eadrinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable book about heading into the unknown and finding your way to the other side.

[Cyndie Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book with adorable characters that also talks about what to do when the way forward is unclear.

[charlene.librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The adorable puffin is a fluffy character for readers to consider in the changes of the fog and how to maneuver through it. Gently expressed with lovely soft illustration depicting the fog.

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BEAUTIFUL children's picture book about depression/negative thoughts. Super relatable and super beautifully written.

[Noor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love love love for emotional resilience

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A puffin lost in the fog shows wee ones how to face uncertainty and persevere until the mist of confusion lifts. Atmospheric illustrations dramatize the puffin’s quest for clarity.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Positive message about not giving up. Story was ok.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute puffin illustrations, with a message about not giving up, but too short on plot for me or even young children as far as I am concerned.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a sweet and positive story.