When the Root Children Wake Up Book Summary

When the Root Children Wake Up
By: Audrey Wood and Ned Bittinger
Publisher: Scholastic Press; 2002
Reading Level: ~ 8yrs
Number of Pages: 30
Genre: Fantasy
Summary: This is a story of the seasons and the earth. It starts with Grandfather Winter returning to his ice palace as all the snow melts at the end of winter. Then Mother Earth wakes the Root Children from their long slumber and they begin making beautiful spring clothes, paint all the bugs to "make them sparkle like jewels, and run to go wake up Aunt Spring. The Root Children run around the land making plant bloom and the air smell sweet. But once the days get warmer, Aunt Spring gets very tired and returns to her slumber. Then their Cousin Summer comes out to play. Each day is filled with dancing and music and fun. But then Uncle Fall comes and it gets a little colder and quieter and the Children hear the call of Mother Earth to return home. Once all home, she sings them a lullaby and Grandfather Winter returns. 
Problems: I saw no problems with this book.
Reaction: I really enjoyed reading this book and scouring the illustrations. The illustrations were done in oil paints on linen. Oils are by characteristic rich and energizing. I was just so deeply drawn to the illustrations. They are just beautiful. Not to mention the story is neat.
Recommendation: I wold recommend this book to a second or first grade class to teach the seasons and the different things you can do in the different seasons and what the Root Children really are.