BEFORE WE SLEEP

As autumn begins, Little Red, the fox, and Hazel, the dormouse, play with abandon in a richly colored forest. Uplifting music complements Simon Vance as he joyfully narrates the fun shared between friends. When Little Red thinks of the coming winter, however, the music turns melancholy. Dormice hibernate; Little Red will miss his friend. Vance's pace slows and matches the tone of the music as the fox expresses his apprehension. Gently, Hazel assures him that in the spring, they will play again. North American kids may need an introduction to dormice. Though it's less than five minutes long, Vance imbues this soothing story with a gravitas that will convey to children that their concerns are important. L.T. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2021]