THE LITTLE LOST ROBIN

An unusual friendship survives a wintry storm. Hare is old and stiff and no longer dances under the moon. But his bird friends, whom he feeds each day, can still entice him to tap his toes when they sing. A lonely winter stretches out in front of Hare as they fly away with the cool breezes. But surprisingly, the bold little robin has stayed behind, singing songs that are reminiscent of summer. The two friends grow ever closer throughout the autumn. When a winter storm hits, Hare worries all through the night about Robin. In the morning, he drags Robin’s downed tree back to his burrow, props it up in the snow and helps her rebuild her nest. The neighbors enjoy each other’s company, and Hare dances once again under the moonlight to Robin’s songs. Macnaughton’s gorgeous artwork fills the pages with forest colors and gentle animals. The friendship between Hare and Robin is more than apparent from their facial expressions and tender actions. But while the story is sweet, readers are left with a slightly unfinished feeling, wondering why Robin stayed behind, and what the future holds for old Hare. (Picture book. 3-7)