Reviewed by: Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons Deborah Stevenson Na, Il Sung. Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons; written and illus. by Il Sung Na. Knopf, 2011. [32p.] Library ed. ISBN 978-0-375-96786-3 $18.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-375-86786-6 $15.99 Reviewed from galleys R 4-6 yrs. The white rabbit observes the changes in the natural world as the winter approaches: the geese fly away toward warmer climes, the bears settle in for a winter's nap, the sheep stand firm against the cold in their thick wool, the squirrels gather extra nuts, and so on. It's a quiet, simple text, with the hush of winter in its tone, and the animals included are an interesting variety of specimens (crocodiles, for instance, don't usually get much attention in winter lore, but the observations are accurate). The words are really just the occasion for the arresting illustrations, however, which combine digital and handmade elements to stunning effect. Backgrounds evince a fresco-like texture, with lacy negative patterns of stylized snowflakes and botanicals providing an air of fanciful prettiness. The animals themselves have a simplified round shape and sense of movement that recalls cave painting, but there's also a touch of Pokemon-like adorability to their big, long-lashed eyes. The visual climax—the formerly white hare turns up in its brown summer coat, winking at the audience—may need a little adult explanation, but it's certainly a biologically legitimate twist. As a gentle, creatively depicted introduction to seasonal adaptation, this animal story will provide cozy entry-level nature study from the approach of first snowfall to the stubborn final melting of that last drift in spring. Copyright © 2011 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois