Curling up in front of the fire with a good book is the perfect pastime for cold winter nights. All the better if the book celebrates the winter season and all the wonder and mystery it holds. Here are five excellent children’s books about winter to add to your library as the season approaches.
The Mitten and The Hat by Jan Brett
Based on a Ukrainian folktale, The Mitten is a whimsical favorite. When a young boy drops his mitten in the snowy forest, he is none the wiser. The animals, however, are drawn in by the mysterious item and must investigate. Over time, larger and larger animals climb into the mitten, leading to a hilarious and dramatic conclusion. With her signature warmth and humor, Brett tells an enriching tale and creates illustrations to match.
Brett’s book The Hat is similarly enchanting. This darling story will have your whole family laughing. When a hapless hedgehog gets stuck in a little girl’s stocking, he is embarrassed at the attention he draws. However, little Hedgie turns out to be quite clever and convinces the other animals that his predicament was no accident. When the rest of the farm decides to follow Hedgie’s example, hilarity ensues. With lovely and detailed illustrations, this is a book your children will request again and again.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
This sweet and quiet tale won the 1988 Caldecott Medal for its illustrations by John Schoenherr. Owl Moon is a story about a young girl who is thrilled to join her father for the first time as he goes “owling,” a winter activity of observing owls in their natural habitat. The book is perfectly descriptive and simulates the walk through the quiet woods through both its lovely prose and watercolor illustrations. The bond between father and daughter and the reverence for natural beauty is both touching and inspiring. This magical book is a perfect read for in front of the fire or during bedtime snuggles.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Another winner of the Caldecott Medal for illustration, this one in 1963, The Snowy Day is the first book that Ezra Jack Keats both wrote and illustrated. In the book, Peter, a little boy who lives in the city, enjoys exploring the new landscape brought about by a freshly fallen blanket of snow. Peter’s delight and excitement are contagious, and Keats’ illustrations truly are magnificent. If you enjoy this story, be sure to also look for other Keats books about Peter, as The Snowy Day is one of seven.
Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
A story of bravery and commitment, Katy and the Big Snow is the story of a big red tractor that saves the whole town when a big snow makes the roads impassable. Even as Katy grows weary, she continues on and becomes a hero. The repetition of the book will appeal to younger readers, who will delight in helping you complete the story with familiar phrases. At the same time, the illustrations (drawn by Burton herself) will enthrall readers of all ages. The pages are surrounded by detailed borders made up of the town’s many inhabitants, and the book also includes a large map of Katy’s journey. Burton also wrote other award-winning books, including 1942 Caldecott Medal Winner The Little House and another favorite, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.
Each of these stories is a wonderful celebration of the winter season and the magic it brings. These children’s books about winter are available for purchase through most online realtors and in local bookshops. Additionally, all of these titles are available through the Gwinnett County Public Library. Are you looking for childcare that encourages the love of stories? Consider Legacy Academy Suwanee, where we embrace love of literature and will share that love with your children.
