How the Ladies Stopped the Wind
By Bruce McMillan
Illustrated by Gunnella
Reviewed by Ilene Goldman
The idea that ladies could stop wind intrigued me when I saw this book. I might have expected a superhero tale had it not been for the cover image of a woman clinging to a pram, blowing in the wind next to similarly-afflicted chickens, while a baby smiles and waves.
The ladies of this small Icelandic village have a problem—the wind gusts so strongly that it is nearly impossible to walk. They come up with a creative and environmentally-sound solution; plant trees to block the wind. They enlist the help of the chickens (to make fertilizer). But, the village’s naughty sheep keep eating the trees. Can the cows help the ladies keep the sheep away? Will the chickens continue to produce fertilizer? Will the trees block the wind?
This is a story about problem-solving, planning, and perseverance. Even when the sheep eat the trees and the chickens overproduce (yuck), the ladies remain dedicated to their goal. Ultimately, they cooperate to improve the quality of life for their village and, the book tells us, their solution is adopted across Iceland. A bit awkwardly told in places, the story charms and teaches.
Gunnella’s artwork adds whimsy and quaintness to this tale. One can’t help but giggle at seeing ladies and chickens singing to sheep to beg them not to eat the trees.
Rating: *\*\*\
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