There is a reason fables last through the years. Their universal lessons can be adapted to the current state of the world and still remain relevant. Such is the case with I Can Sleep When the Wind Blows, retold by Heather Davis. A farmer needed help with caring for the many animals on his farm and placed a Help Wanted sign on his fence. The only person to apply was a teenage boy named Jim. The farmer asked Jim why he should hire him as his new farmhand. Jim’s reply was simply, “I can sleep when the wind blows.” Despite the farmer’s confusion about that claim, he hired Jim anyway. How that particular talent plays out in this story results in a satisfying fable ending.

Fables are often the favorite choices of adults seeking new stories to share with children. By retelling this fable, Heather Davis provides an opportunity for parents, teachers, or other adult mentors to start a conversation with the child reader about what the story means and how it might apply to the child’s environment. I Can Sleep When the Wind Blows also has quaint, colorful illustrations by Roberta Malasomma that suit the fable with a dreamy, watercolor feel. The pigs, chickens, cows, and horses are a delight. The weather scenes lure the reader’s eye to linger on the page. Even the font choice is whimsical yet easy to read. Heather Davis’ retelling of I Can Sleep When the Wind Blows makes this book a fine candidate for any school library.

I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows is a colorful fable for children written by Heather Davis. It tells the story of a seventeen-year-old boy named Jim, who seeks work on a farm, claiming that he can sleep when the wind blows, which is his strength. The farmer, although confused by that strange qualification, gives Jim a job on his farm and that is how this adventure begins!

I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows is based on a classic tale that has an important message for everyone. The story portrays a stressful situation, and through the retelling of Jim's work at the farm and his positive attitude towards life aims to help children, and adults alike, to understand how to deal with stressful situations when they occur, sometimes even on a daily basis. This story is accompanied by lovely classic illustrations, full of detailed scenes and colorful expressions, which create a calm atmosphere all the way to the end. Heather Davis skillfully and in an approachable manner builds up the story, at the same time pointing out the importance of the message in the tale. I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows is a recommendation to everyone who wishes to know more about how to cope with stress, how to avoid anxiety, how to manage their time efficiently, and most of all, how to learn to believe in themselves. It is a lovely story that will win the hearts of children all over the world.

There are numerous ways to learn some of life’s most valuable lessons, but one provided through a story is long retained and best of all, requires no loss to the student who may come by a lesson wrought through experience. I Can Sleep When the Wind Blows, a tale of old, retold by Heather Davis and beautifully illustrated by Roberta Malasomma, offers such a story. When an old farmer advertises for help, young Jim shows up. The farmer asks the boy why he should hire him, as he is concerned the lad does not appear particularly strong. Jim replies that the farmer ought to hire him because he can sleep when the wind blows. Although the farmer does not understand, he hires young Jim anyway. Fortunately, the lad proves to be a hard worker. Time passes and then, one night, a terrible storm brews. The farmer, unable to rouse Jim from his sleep, sets out to save his farm, only to discover what Jim had meant when he said that he could sleep when the wind blows.

Heather Davis has chosen a valuable story for retelling in I Can Sleep When the Wind Blows. It seems the farmhand, Jim, had discovered at some time during his young life that one may remain calm in the midst of any storm when one is prepared in advance for its possibility. By gathering the animals and putting them in the barn, securing it, and battening down the hay, each and every night, Jim knew that when he went to sleep, he need not worry about what might transpire. In short, he was always prepared. The beauty and simplicity of this message are enhanced by the lovely illustrations by Roberta Malasomma. While the text never says, “be prepared,” or “prepare in advance,” young ones will surely get the timeless and priceless message of this old tale.

I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows is a classic children’s fable retold by Heather Davis. A farmer thought seventeen-year-old Jim was too young to handle the daily chores on his farm and asked why he should be hired. Jim replied, “I can sleep when the wind blows.” This odd answer puzzled the farmer, but he hired Jim because he needed help. Jim proved to be hardworking, much to the farmer’s amazement. A storm came one night and the farmer couldn’t wake Jim. He angrily left to prepare the farm for the storm and went to lock the animals in the barn, but they were already there. He went to tie down the hay, but that was also secured. Every task was already completed, so the confused farmer went to bed. In the morning, he asked Jim how he knew a storm was coming and Jim responded that he didn’t. He reminded the farmer that he can sleep when the wind blows and explained the significance of his comment.

This classic children’s fable by Heather Davis is a good example to teach children how to plan and cope with anxiety and stressful situations when they occur. It’s a tale that has been used in churches, schools, and homes for centuries, and I think it’s a perfect reading aid to use. Although Jim was young and not as experienced as the farmer, he behaved maturely and with wisdom that the farmer appreciated and learned from. A person is never too old to learn from the younger generation. I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows is an educational, inspiring, and motivating reworking of a classic fable that I enjoyed reading and recommend.