Weather is a strong influence on the lives of wild animals, for survival itself is often imperiled. Many species escape the rigor of winter by migrating to warmer climes where food is abundant. Others hibernate and are therefore oblivious to the difficulties of existence in wind, ice, and cold. The food chain by which one animal may survive because another is eaten is always operative, but it seems more direct and decisive in winter.

The author here describes for the youngest readers the activities of a number of animals—bats, woodchucks, deer, rabbits, wolves. Gaetano di Palma, an artist at the American Museum of Natural History, has illustrated the story with great skill. He has depicted in accurate detail structure, expression, and posture of wild animals, familiar and unfamiliar.

This is a straightforward presentation of a harsh subject—and an interesting one.

From the dust jacket