Cooling off on a hot day leads to danger.
The animal friends from the creators’ In the Winter Woods (2024)and In the Autumn Forest (2025) are wilting in the heat. As Fox, Mouse, and Crow commiserate, irrepressible Squirrel arrives and airily suggests a refreshing swim in the lake. His friends refuse to follow as he leaps into the water, and though Squirrel calls them “fraidy-cats,” they stay where they are. Squirrel grows chilly, but when he tries to climb out, he can’t make it up the slippery rocks. His friends note his lack of caution (“If this isn’t typical of our dear Squirrel, I don’t know what is”) but are quick to help. Flying above, Crow spots a flat place, and the others help guide Squirrel to it. Then Squirrel keeps watch while the others swim. As night falls, a perfect day comes to a lovely end as fireflies dot the air and a crescent moon looms above. Ten tips for safe swimming follow, along with a link to the Red Cross. This fitting addition to Kulot’s seasonal series (Autumn taught youngsters about the importance of listening to each other; Winter, about sharing) combines lessons in safety with artfully naïve landscapes in gold, green, and blue and appealing semi-anthropomorphized animals. Lauffer’s unrhymed translation from German is informal, vernacular, and smooth.
Deftly packaged lessons in aquatic safety and in cooperation.
—Kirkus Reviews
Crow, Fox, and Mouse are listless and uncomfortable on a hot summer day. In contrast, Squirrel is “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,” announcing that taking a swim is better than complaining about the heat. “Without a second thought,” Squirrel launches himself into the water. After calling his friends “fraidy-cats,” he enjoys the cooling water while trying to convince his friends to join him. They all look warily at the water. They do not join him. Unfortunately, Squirrel cannot get out of the lake when he starts to get cold because of some slippery rocks. While acknowledging Squirrel’s daring, the three friends bemoan Squirrel’s lack of planning. Even so, they work together to help him. After getting Squirrel out, Crow, Fox, and Mouse set aside their earlier concerns about swimming and splash about happily in the lake while Squirrel watches with parental concern. As the sun sets, the heat cools, and the fireflies dance under the glow of the moon, the four friends realize that a “long, hot summer day at the lake isn’t half bad.” The end pages contain swimming safety rules. Kulot’s story celebrates how friends can help one another overcome fears and stay safe. Her illustrations are lush with the verdant greens and deep blues of summer; the faces of the animal friends are endearing, with big oval eyes and sweet smiles. VERDICT For most collections, a cheerful celebration of friendship, overcoming fears, and swimming in the summertime.
—School Library Journal
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