The titular cracking sound leads us out of bed on a winter night. Joined by the bear, the rabbit, the beaver, and the squirrel through the cold woods, we finally arrive at an enormous egg, which hatches before our eyes into the explosive arrival of spring. A somewhat whimsical narrative with an exciting, emotional climax.

Shelley's illustrations feel reiminiscent of Sibylle von Olfers, the early 20-century children's book author. The overall impression is magical and whimsical, but the small details are touchingly realistic. The landscape is very cool and icy until the vibrant explosion of spring, which feels like a visual relief.

It is the end of winter, and the woods are popping, rapping, and cracking, the narrator brings the audience through the story as if we are in our forested backyard. We follow the bear through the woods and encounter many a creatures, who all know "It is time". Eventually, through all the crackling, and crinkling, six stand before a giant egg, which bursts, letting Spring flood the world. ( )