Although it's not technically winter yet, the temperature has dropped and snow has fallen. Of course, this means we've pulled out our winter story books. This year we've also discovered some new ones to enjoy. Here are our current favorites.(The images contain Amazon affiliate links. Click the image to be taken to Amazon if you'd like to purchase the recommended book. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can also ready my full disclosure.)
The Mitten by Jan Brett is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It is a Ukranian folktale about woodland animals who snuggle up in Nicki's lost woolen mitten.Why I like it: The story is delightful and the folk art illustrations are striking and memorable. There are great depictions of woodland creatures. This book exposed my daughter to a few new animals, such as the mole and hedgehog.Why Pooky likes it: Animals are of great interest to Pooky at the moment. She loves seeing what animal is coming next to crowd into the mitten.
Millie-Mae in Winter by Natalie Marshall is a recently published (2013) picture book about a little girl who is excited about going to play in the snow.Why I like it: This downright adorable book uses simple text that children can relate to while describing preparing for and playing in the snow.
Why Pooky likes it: The pictures with glittery white snowmen and silvery snowflakes capture her attention every time. Also, Pooky can relate to everything in it from putting on the hat, coat, etc to using carrots for the snowmen's noses.
Snow by Uri Shulevitz is a Caldecott Honor Book that uses small, short phrases to convey the excitement felt in anticipation of snow.Why I like it: The little boy's hope and joy for the first snowfall doesn't wane despite all the pessimistic adults around him. This book awakens my childlike excitement of the first snowflake of the season. I also like that the text is short enough for us to move quickly enough through the book to keep Pooky's attention for the whole story.Why Pooky likes it: She seems to enjoy seeing the snowflakes multiply from page to page turning the once grey village completely white.
Outside by Deirdre Gill is new to the scene in 2014, but it's already our current favorite!Why I like it: The author/illustrator uses a small amount of text and imaginative pictures to send a very good message - get off the electronic devices and go outside to use your imagination...it'll be so much more fun.Why Pooky likes it: Pooky loves playing in the snow, so naturally, she enjoys seeing the antics of the boy as he steps outside and uses his imagination in his winter wonderland.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a true classic that was published in 1962 and won the Caldecott Medal in 1963.Why I like it: This book shows how a blanket of snow can turn city streets into a magical play land. I love the different ways the little boy explores the snow, just like my daughter does.Why Pooky likes it: Pooky's favorite part is the different kinds of footprints and tracks the boy makes in the snow. (She's big on making and discovering footprints lately.)
Let's Play in the Snow: by Sam McBratney features the beloved Nutbrown Hare characters from Guess How Much I Love You (which I reviewed as part of this list).Why I like it: These lovable characters are depicted in simple, but beautiful wintry scenes. As a teacher, I can appreciate the inferential thinking involved as the hares play their game of I Spy. As a mother, I get all warm and fuzzy when I read these books that show the love between Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare. Read the ending of this little book, and you'll feel all warm and fuzzy too.Why Pooky likes it: Pooky gets very animated when I read this book to her. She gets excited by each thing taking center stage on each page (the leaf, the river, Little Nutbrown Hare's shadow).
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner is New York Times Bestseller that shows a little boy's imaginings of what snowmen do at night.Why I like it: I love the idea of this book (that while we're sleeping, the snowmen gather under the moon and partake in snowy festivities). The book is beautifully illustrated with its blue hues of nighttime snow. This book can lead to fun conversations and imaginative play about what our snowman might do at night. (In fact, we've been doing snowman activities because of this book.)Why Pooky likes it: Pooky enjoys the illustrations. There are so many details in the pictures that we spend a long time looking at each page. And that's without looking for the hidden pictures the illustrator, Mark Buehner, has put into each page. (The other books in the Snowmen series are great too. I'm wrapping Snowmen at Christmas to be one of Pooky's 25 Days of Christmas books.)
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs is a wordless picture book about a snowman coming to life and having a nighttime adventure with the boy who made him.Why I like it: I am always a fan of wordless picture books. They let Pooky and me describe the pictures in our own words (after much observation and critical thinking). We can spend as much or as little time on each page as we feel is appropriate.Why Pooky likes it: Pooky is quite a chatterbox these days, so this book gives her the opportunity to do a lot of talking during story time.
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening is Susan Jeffers' illustrated version of the famous Robert Frost Poem.Why I like it: I enjoy Robert Frost's poetry, especially the serene quietness of this particular one. Because the poem is a classic piece of literature, I know this is a book that Pooky will grow into, and we will enjoy together for many years.Why Pooky likes it: Although the words of this beautiful poem are well beyond my toddler's understanding, the illustrations are not. Jeffers creates a visual story with her beautiful sketches based on her interpretation of the poem.I hope this has helped you find some must read children's books for the upcoming winter. season. Was your favorite mentioned here? If not, please suggest it in the comments.Linking up here:Snickerdoodle Sunday at 2 Crochet HooksLink and Learn at No Time for Flash CardsMerry Monday Linky at My PinterventuresMotivational Monday at Curly Crafty MomThoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop at Enchanted Homeschooling MomTeach Me Tuesday at Life with GarnishHip Homeschool Hop at Hip Homeschooling MomsMom's Library at True Aim EducationSuper Mommy Club Party at Super Mommy ClubWeekly Kids Co-op at B Inspired MamaTGIF Linky at Homeschool 4 MeShow and Share Saturday at I Can Teach My ChildKid Lit Blog Hop at Mother Daughter Book Reviews
