A Mother's Song

A mother and daughter spend time together exploring nature and enjoying seasonal activities. In spring, they “wade in a puddle/ that's not very deep,/ pretending we're frogs,/ croaking loud as we leap.” During the summer, they sit on the porch watching the rain; in autumn, they harvest apples, and in winter, go ice skating: “the pond's frozen over,/ it's slippery-slick./ Hug me and twirl/ in a slow spinning trick.” Endpapers show images of mother and daughter, framed as though they were snapshots. The graceful, pastel artwork and soothing writing beget a breezy message about motherly love. Ages 3–6. (Apr.)