As winter holds sway in the northern hemisphere, I’ve paired two picture books from a talented author and illustrator duo that are perfect for a cozy read by a fireplace.
You’re Safe With Me
Author: Chitra Soundar
Illustrator: Poonam Mistry
Publisher/Date: Lantana Publishing/2018
Ages: 4-8
Themes: animals; stormy weather; environment; reassurance
Short Synopsis (from Goodreads):
When the moon rises high and the stars twinkle, it is bedtime for the baby animals of the Indian forest. But tonight, when the skies turn dark and the night grows stormy, the little ones can’t sleep. SWISH-SWISH! CRACK-TRACK! FLASH-SNAP! goes the storm. Only Mama Elephant with her words of wisdom can reassure them, “You’re safe with me.”
Read a review at Library Mice.
You’re Snug With Me
Author: Chitra Soundar
Illustrator: Poonam Mistry
Publisher/Date: Lantana Publishing/2018
Ages: 4-8
Themes: animals; polar bears; Arctic; conservationism; reassurance
Short Synopsis (from Goodreads):
At the start of winter, two bear cubs are born, deep in their den in the frozen north. “Mama, what lies beyond here?” they ask. “Above us is a land of ice and snow.” “What lies beyond the ice and snow?” they ask. “The ocean, full of ice from long ago.” And as they learn the secrets of the earth and their place in it, Mama Bear whispers, “You’re snug with me.”
Read a review at Read It, Daddy!
I paired these books because they’re beautifully written and illustrated by the same pair and feature similar ecological themes. But while You’re Safe With Me features several different jungle animals in tropical India, You’re Snug With Me focuses on one polar bear Mama and her cubs in the frozen north. I enjoyed Soundar’s lyrical storytelling in both, and I especially appreciated how Mistry adapted her distinctive illustration style to two radically different environments. Although these may not technically be a series yet, I hope that this talented pair collaborate on a future environmental tale.
Wander, Ponder, Write 