WHEN THE FOG ROLLS IN

Unexpectedly separated from its colony, a puffin finds itself alone and directionless as a dense fog rolls in.

Even mundane things seem frightening in the fog. As the puffin encounters obstacles both real and imagined, it nevertheless perseveres until it eventually finds its way back to safety and familiarity. This sparsely worded, slightly didactic story does not have a traditional narrative arc; instead, the narrator directly addresses readers, offering life lessons about persisting in the face of challenges: “If you want to escape the fog, the best way to go is directly through it.” While this creates a bit of distance from the protagonist, young readers will still be able to empathize with the puffin’s vulnerable condition. Given the foggy setting, the palette is necessarily muted, but despite the general haziness, there are still discoveries to be made for shrewd viewers, like realizing that what looks like a menacing creature is actually a harmless tree. Though the idea of fog as a metaphor for life’s uncertainties might go over the heads of younger readers, the book provides an effective jumping-off point for discussions about fear, anxiety, and obstacles. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A simple but poignant tale about navigating difficulties with courage and patience.