Pine and the Winter Sparrow

K-Gr 2—A foreword by Native American storyteller Robert Lewis and a lengthy author's note regarding her source lend authenticity to this charming retelling of the Native American fable "Why the Trees Lose Their Leaves." An injured sparrow is not strong enough to make the journey South with his family in the final days of autumn. So he sends them away without him and seeks shelter from the winter cold until his wing heals. "Will you kindly shelter me?" he asks Oak. But the large tree sends him away to "bother someone else." He makes the same request of Maple, Elm, and Aspen and each, in turn, refuses him. Finally, the sparrow's distressed weeping captures Pine's attention. Although its boughs are prickly and its branches sticky, the tree immediately lifts the sparrow up, saying "all that I am and all that I have is yours." When Sparrow's family returns in spring, they find him healed and a joyful reunion ensues. Creator then calls a council of the trees and upbraids them for their selfishness. Pine alone wins Creator's favor: "Pine, your gift to Sparrow was a gift to Me. So you alone will remain green against the snow, evergreen evermore." Vidal's watercolor and pencil spreads progress from the bright colors of autumn to the stark purple-hued skies of winter and finally, after Creator's decree, to a spread of evergreens scattered among the other trees, their branches bare against the snow-filled landscape. A fine discussion-starter about the importance of kindness.—Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Greenwich, CT