GATHER UP, GATHER IN

A lyrical prose poem that celebrates the four seasons using fresh, inventive images and luminous illustrations. Autumn is presented as a gathering time; images of grapes and geese, squirrels and leaves, nuts and Halloween candy are skillfully woven together. Winter is a time of secrets buried in ice, with mysterious footprints in the snow. Spring is a dream that begins in winter and eventually spills forth, with warm showers, bright blossoms, and seeds like shining wishes. Summer spins around, with lights and fireworks, waves and hills. The only quibble here is with the intended age group: Very young readers will find the entire concept too abstract, although they may respond to the gorgeously colored pictures. This would serve a slightly older (at least five) audience better, so save it for a while. Altogether, a beautiful, imaginative rendering of seasonal changes and what they feel like to those who are experiencing them. (Picture book. 3-8)