It is almost Christmas now, and if you are following the church calendar we are in the third week of the four weeks of Advent. Advent is supposed to be a time of waiting, of reflection, and quietness, but in our culture it has become a time of frenzy, of shopping till you drop, and Christmas carols playing everywhere you go. There are even contests on Facebook for how many times you might hear “The Little Drummer Boy,” which unbeknownst to me is anathema to most musical people!

I have been looking for something that could help balance all the madness and, on the recommendation of a friend, I found a book that has helped me find a moment in my day to become quiet, to get myself in sync with the quietness of winter and to learn about the mystery of new beginnings.

Within this wonderful book by Gayle Boss are descriptions of raccoons, foxes, turtles, squirrels and lake trout and how they get ready for the cold winter. Accompanied by beautiful drawings by David Klein,  these descriptions of the animals’ preparations allow us to settle into winter and help us notice the seasonal changes that happen within us as well as in the animals that are all around us. Reading her descriptions of cotton tail rabbits or opossums, both of whom live right around our house, made me realize the enormous challenges many animals face in preparing and surviving the winter. 

Although Boss uses very little religious language and the book is primarily about animals, their habits and their habitat as seen through the eyes of a naturalist, she touches you deeply with the images she creates with her words. If you are looking for a few moments of quiet reflection in the middle of the frenzy of Christmas, I think you, too, will appreciate this collection of stories about how creation prepares and waits through the winter months.

I will be taking of next week, but will be back on the 30th with my annual round up of the best books of 2022!

I hope that each one of you will have a wonderful holiday season, however you may celebrate!

Brenda’s Rating:***** (5 Out of 5 Stars)

Read in paperback format