Amy Johnson (2)

The true test of a picture book is whether my 22-month old is interested. Well, this book didn't make the cut. If she likes a book, she requests it to be re-read many times. This one was put aside after the first read. As for me, I found the illustrations too dark, and the animals verged on being cartoon-like. The title of the book is confusing, as the story was more about the raven than the bear. The message of the book about the importance of rain is a fine one, but overall the book lacks show more a compelling story. show less

Solomon the Raven spends an April spring day flying around to check up on the baby animals of the forest. Cinnamon Bear introduces her new cub to him, and he also checks up on Pearl Squirrel and the Cardinal family. Back at his tree, Solomon notices a storm coming, and rushes to warn the busy animal families. After everyone is safe, Solomon and Cinnamon discuss how even though storms are scary, the rain helps the earth in many ways.

This story takes a long time to unfold for a picture book. show more It isn’t until page 16 that anything really happens. Solomon is clearly the protagonist, but the title is Cinnamon and the April Shower, and the cover is Cinnamon with her cub. Solomon is not shown at all.

The illustrations have a Disney like quality, and would be very appealing to children. However, there is one illustration on pg. 17 where Solomon is supposed to be concerned, but instead looks scary and almost evil. This would be confusing to children who are looking at the book without reading the text. show less

This book is part of a series, set in a forest, that reflects the weather of the seasons. This book occurs during the spring and describes the impact of spring showers on the baby animals and their families in the forest. The title does not reflect the actual events of the story. Cinnamon is a bear cub, yet the central character of the story is the raven. The illustrations are not child-friendly but are dark and almost sinister. The raven especially has a rather mean aspect. Although the show more premise of the book is valuable, the book itself does not match the descriptions and is an unsatisfactory read for both children and adults. show less

One caveat: I did not read this book to or with a child, so the opinions and review are mine alone.

Neither the text nor illustrations in this book can be recommended. The writing was uninspired, and when read aloud the phrasing was awkward. The main thrust of the story seems to be that preparation is the key to weathering a storm. That is a fine message, but it comes off as pedantic and anxiety-inducing. Especially when the only "preparation" seems to be making sure you are safe at home.

The show more illustrator certainly has a style; however it the color palette suggested autumn more readily than the April of the title. Most of the illustrations were so low-contrast as to lose the main characters into the background scenery.

Note that the book is published in multiple language editions. I was looking forward to was the bilingual text; however, I received and reviewed the English-only version. show less