When the Wind Blew

Written/Illustrated by: Petra Brown
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: August 2017
ISBN: 978-1585369690
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: September 2017

Moving to a new home can be a very stressful time, especially for little ones. Author Petra Brown has addressed the issue in a gently and reassuring way in her new book When the Wind Blew.

Little Bear is snuggled up against Big Bear's warm, furry side for a good night's nap. During the night, there's a loud rumble outside the bears' cave that wakes up Little Bear. He growls and wakes up Big Bear, afraid that there may be something dangerous outside. Big Bear knows that it's just the wind and tells the young one to go back to sleep.

The next morning, when the bears wake up and exit the cave, they're surprised to find that all the trees have been blown over. Big Bear explains that it must have been the wind, and again reassures Little Bear that all will be well. They wander around, visit the nearby lake, but then notice that the birds are flying away. Big Bear quickly realizes that they, too, will have to move away if they are to find food. Little Bear is worried and doesn't want to leave his home. What will happen?

When the Wind Blew is a sweet book that cleverly uses the story of a little bear to teach young readers about what happens when a family moves to a new home. Little Bear is understandably upset, as many youngsters are, at the thought of having to move. All ends well for Little Bear, happy in his new home, and this reassurance will definitely be a source of comfort for children. The author is also the illustrator and her love of drawing animals shines through on each and every picture. As Big Bear tells his young companion, "Don't worry...things will be fine..."

Quill says: Planning a move? Have little ones? Then you need to get them a copy of this book to help show them that all will be well