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Shelter Hardcover – Picture Book, October 3, 2017

by Céline Claire (Author), Qin Leng (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 42 ratings
See all formats and editions
As a big storm approaches, two strangers arrive in the forest. All the animal families, safe in their homes, are worried. They wonder, “What are they doing there? What do they want?” So, as the pair knocks at the door of one home after another asking for shelter, all the animals turn them away, leaving them to fend for themselves. But then an accident suddenly forces the fox family out into the snow and the wind, and the foxes find they must ask these outsiders for help. Will they find it in their hearts to give it? Céline Claire's heartwarming picture book story delivers a timeless and timely message about the importance of kindness and generosity. With simple and evocative language, it explores how even small gestures can make a big difference to the strangers or outsiders in a community. Artist Qin Leng uses a warm, soft palette in her ink and watercolor illustrations creating a charming and inviting visual narrative that is perfect for young children. This book provides a wonderful opportunity for discussions about being welcoming and helping others in need, including how children can put this into practice by reaching out to the “new kid” or the one who seems different. It also works well for character education lessons on kindness, caring and empathy.
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  1. Reading age
    3 - 7 years
  2. Print length
    42 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 2
  5. Lexile measure
    AD530L
  6. Dimensions
    8.75 x 0.5 x 11.25 inches
  7. Publisher
    Kids Can Press
  8. Publication date
    October 3, 2017
  9. ISBN-10
    1771389273
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1771389273
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2— Woodland animals ready themselves for an approaching winter storm, but a little fox is concerned: "What if others are still outside?" he asks. He is right to worry. Soon two bear brothers come into sight with a bag of tea leaves and an entreaty to share food, shelter, warmth. They are turned away by animals who clearly have enough of whatever is requested, until the little fox rushes out to give them a lantern. Grateful and hopeful, the bears move on. The tables are turned when the fox family's shelter collapses and they are forced into the cold to seek shelter. The bears do not hesitate to share their cozy snow berm and the light of the lantern. (In a bit of literary license, the bears have got hot water and mugs for tea.) Claire writes in spare prose elegantly translated from French and Leng's loose pen-and-ink drawings capture the mood of the story while offering lovely little woodland details. The messages of compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness are interwoven, if a little muddled. Young readers will have an opportunity to see all the sides of the experience—the stranger in search of shelter, the animals protecting themselves against danger, the compassionate little fox, and the closed circle of the ending. VERDICT An excellent conversation starter about the vagaries of life and our responsibilities to one another. Recommended as a strong purchase.— Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence

Review

... a beautiful tale that reads like a fable to teach giving and kindness ...―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

An excellent conversation starter about the vagaries of life and our responsibilities to one another.―School Library Journal

A warm, winter picture book.―Booklist Online

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kids Can Press; Illustrated edition (October 3, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 42 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1771389273
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1771389273
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD530L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.75 x 0.5 x 11.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
42 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Rebby
5.0 out of 5 stars An adorable book with a great message!
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2020
In today's world, we are taught to fear the unknown. We are weary of strangers and stingy with our possessions. We distrust those who are different from us and let our ignorance keep us from seeing the similarities we share. In times like these, it's comforting to know there are books out there like Celine Claire's Shelter.

This beautifully illustrated picture book is reminiscent of "The Little Red Hen." It teaches readers that by helping others, we are also helping ourselves. Set in the forest, this story shows various animal families as they prepare for an incoming blizzard. Birds, foxes, hogs, and rabbits work together to gather food and firewood so they can outlast the storm. While the storm is raging, two mysterious strangers appear and ask each animal family for help. One by one, they are turned away. The only animal to show the strangers any kindness is a young fox. When disaster threatens the fox family, they are able to rely on the strangers to help them in return.

The illustrations in Shelter are done with pen, ink, and watercolor by Qin Leng. With soft colors and adorable anthropomorphic animals, children of all ages will enjoy the pictures that accompany the story. As an adult reader, I found the illustrations to be very whimsical. They left me with a strong feeling of nostalgia for certain books of my childhood, such as A.A. Milne's Winne the Pooh.

There is great value in the message of this book. As a teacher, I can see it being used to teach lessons about kindness, acceptance, and friendship. Shelter was a joy to read and would be a worthy addition to your home or classroom library.

My Rating:★★★★★/5

*Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*
One person found this helpful
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PSusan
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2017
Shelter by Céline Claire is a lovely book reminding us that we can do better than others do to us. There is also the idea of a little child will lead, in this case a little fox. After reading this with my grandchildren, we discussed why the author had Little Fox give the gift to the Brother Bears. Was his family in agreement will what he did or did they even know? Also, what might have happened differently of he had not. We all agreed that the “strangers” seemed to act in character and might have well still done their good deed anyway.

It was fun to guess what sort of bear the “strangers” were as they went door to door adding a bit of mystery to this story of kindness. What a delight to guess right as the snow storm came. Easy guess for the six-year-old but a thinking one for three-year-old.

The art work has a lovely watercolor painted effect that enhances the feel of the coming storm. The text is short but expressive. First semester second grade readers should find this text easy enough but children much younger will enjoy the story read to them, especially since the idea of a kind deed is ageless.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
4 people found this helpful
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Tasha Saecker
5.0 out of 5 stars Strong and Simple
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2017
The animals are all getting ready for a big storm. They have closed their doors and are making their dens cozy and warm. Two strangers arrive out of the blustery wind and begin to ask at each door for shelter. They have tea to offer, but one after another the neighbors all say no. The little fox though heads out with a lantern for them, but nothing more. As the snow begins to fall, the strangers know they will be fine. But the fox family’s shelter is failing due to the weight of the snow. Soon they are outside in the falling snow and asking for help themselves. Who will help them?

This book explains with a gentle tone and a non-didactic approach about the failure of community when it becomes isolationist and the power of kindness and compassion for those in need. After all, one might become the ones who need help eventually. The illustrations by Leng glow on the page. They show the lovely families together and their warmth with one another and the love they have. That is then turned quickly on its head as they turn away the strangers. A strong and simple tale that will lead to important discussion. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
2 people found this helpful
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Elizabeth Tipping
5.0 out of 5 stars Learn kindness with the animals!
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2017
Stories about animals are a wonderful way to teach or remind children how they should treat others. My own kids’ teachers have often encouraged parents to make up and use such stories (in oral storytelling format) to help modify behaviors or work through problems. Shelter by Céline Claire is an excellent example of this teaching tool, teaching kindness and caring toward others—even strangers—who are in need. The story is very concise—just a few lines on each page—and all of the words are well within a young reader or listener’s understanding.

This is the tale of five families of forest animals who wake one morning to learn that a storm is coming. They prepare by gathering wood and stockpiling food. Soon, everyone is safely tucked away in their homes—except two strange bears who emerge from the fog as the wind howls.

The bears ask the different animal families for help, but are turned away at one door after another. My little one’s reaction to the way the bears were being treated was all I needed to see to know that the moral of this story was hitting home for her!

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
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Top reviews from other countries

Kaylin Stiles
5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous
Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2022
Verified Purchase
Amazing book that has quickly become a favourite in my classroom.
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