Cozy

As in Brett’s classic The Mitten, a group of animals seeks refuge from the winter cold in a cramped hideout. This time, though, the refuge is a living being—a young musk ox named Cozy whom a storm has separated from his herd. First, a family of lemmings takes shelter under Cozy’s warm bulk, hoping the ox won’t notice. A snowshoe hare, a snowy owl, and more, all inhabitants of the Alaskan tundra, crowd together underneath the patient ox. The proximity of predators and prey forces Cozy to institute rules: “For the harmony of all, quiet voices, gentle thumping, claws to yourself, and no biting.” The idyll continues until springtime sends the creatures on their way. While the story is fanciful, it takes into account the real-life temperaments and habits of tundra creatures. As in earlier Brett tales, detailed artwork suggests the finesse of scientific illustration as side-panel vignettes hint at what’s to come. During a period in which some families are spending more time together in tight spaces, the comforting live-and-let-live message is timely. Ages 4–8. [em](Oct.) [/em]