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Cover of Pookie and the Whispering Wind A gentle nature fantasy about friendship, for readers ages 6–9 (Pookie’s Elemental Tales...

Pookie and the Whispering Wind A gentle nature fantasy about friendship, for readers ages 6–9 (Pookie’s Elemental Tales...

by Sweta Sharma Sabharwal

Book Details

Publisher:Moon Moss Books
Published:2025-08-07
Pages:35
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:933436954X

Reading Info

Age Range:5-8

About This Book

Pookie’s not sure about the picnic. New places and new people still make her nervous. Even with her cheerful friend Piyali by her side, it’s hard to know how to feel when someone new bursts into her quiet space. But on the banks of the Relli River, something unexpected happens��something that helps Pookie see things a little differently. Pookie and the Rustling River is a gentle, beautifully illustrated story for children ages 6–10 about friendship, understanding, and the quiet strength it takes

Our Review

This tender story explores childhood anxiety through Pookie's picnic adventure, offering young readers a gentle window into managing nervous feelings in new situations. When Pookie's quiet space is disrupted by unfamiliar surroundings and people near the Relli River, children will recognize that fluttery uncertainty that comes with stepping outside comfort zones. The beautifully rendered illustrations capture both the tension of new experiences and the gradual unfolding of confidence, making this picture book particularly effective for visual learners. Parents seeking stories about emotional resilience will appreciate how naturally the narrative validates common childhood worries while maintaining a hopeful tone.

What distinguishes this friendship story is its subtle approach to social-emotional learning, showing rather than telling how supportive companions like Piyali can ease transitions. The riverbank setting becomes more than scenery—it serves as the catalyst for Pookie's perspective shift through a carefully crafted, unexpected moment that feels authentic rather than forced. Children who tend toward caution will see themselves reflected in Pookie's journey, while more outgoing readers gain insight into their friends' inner worlds. This quiet narrative about finding courage delivers its emotional wisdom with genuine compassion, leaving readers with a lasting sense of possibility.

Themes

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Juvenile Fiction