Hillenbrand, Will. Voice in the Hollow, The. Will Hillenbrand, Illus. Holiday House, 10/2023. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-3681-1. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
During a snowstorm, Hubert (a young mouse) takes a shortcut home through the hollow after visiting the library. He encounters a woman mouse who helps him get home. The text is quite brief but is greatly assisted by the dramatic illustrations which were likely achieved using watercolors. The scenes of the forest hollow are filled with falling snow and huge snowdrifts, and there are fallen trees and limbs that look like scary polar bears. Readers may wonder if the woman was actually there since she doesn’t leave any footprints (although Hubert does), or wonder if there were actually bears lurking in the hollow or just shadows? There is one wordless double-gatefold spread that will also have readers wondering, since the bears appear to be as large as mountains. Although the story has a quiet quality, there is plenty of tension, and even after you have finished reading there are things to ponder.
Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool