We are a nature-loving family, but Winter is not my favorite. Given that we live in a cold climate and the opportunities to venture outside are quickly becoming more limited as we head toward the shortest day, we've been feeding that love and wonder and discovery with an ever-growing collection of books. Today I'd like to share with you our favorite winter themed books. We have some fiction, some non-fiction and some wonderful poetry that all pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa at the table!
Snow, by Uri Shulevitz
A Caldecott Honor Book, this whimsically illustrated story of few words perfectly captures the excitement of a boy and his dog as snow is about to descend on the town, turning it into a winter wonderland, even as the adults around them insist that it won't come.
The Mitten, adapted by Jan Brett
This classic Ukrainian folktale, retold and beautifully illustrated by Jan Brett, tells the tale of a boy and his lost mitten, and what happens when the forest animals come upon it.
Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen
A Caldecott Medal recipient, Owl Moon is another wonderfully illustrated and beautifully told story of a small girl and her father, who venture out into a cold, bright winter night in search of an owl sighting, just for the thrill of catching a glimpse of the magnificent bird.
Wolf in the Snow, by Matthew Cordell
Another Caldecott Medal recipient, Wolf in the Snow is a story that is told without words. It is a story of bravery, compassion, and companionship that is masterfully told through Cordell's brilliant illustrations alone.
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner
This is a tale of a girl and her father cross-country skiing through the woods, as she learns about all of the animals that are overwintering and living under the snow and in the forest around them.
Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold, by Joyce Sidman
Twelve enchanting poems, with equally enchanting illustrations by Rick Allen, these verses beautifully describe the goings-on of forest creatures as they live and thrive, truly capturing the drama of surviving the cold winter months.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost
What kind of New Hampshirite would I be if I didn't introduce my kid to our favorite New England poet? This classic poem is the only one featured in this particular spine, as it is sprawled through the book and each line is accompanied by calm and lovely illustrations of New England scenery by Susan Jeffers.
Snowflake Bentley, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Willie Bentley was in love with snow from as early as he could remember, and spent his life venturing to capture the perfect images of snowflakes in photographs. This Caldecott Medal recipient is a short biography of Wilson Bentley, who was born in Jericho, Vermont in 1865 and tells the wonderful story of his lifetime of snowflake nature study.
The Story of Snow - The Science of Winter's Wonder, by Mark Cassino with Jon Nelson, Ph.D.
A perfect selection for any budding nature scientist in your life, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow.
The Shortest Day, Celebrating the Winter Solstice, by Wendy Pfeffer
How could I write a post about winter books without including one about the very first day of winter? This one chronicles all that happens surrounding the science of the Winter Solstice, as well as the history and cultural celebrations surrounding the season, and explains it all in a very kid-friendly manner.
Ok, I know it’s not a book, but I love Longfellow.
Snow-flakes
BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW
Out of the bosom of the Air, Out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken, Over the woodlands brown and bare, Over the harvest-fields forsaken, Silent, and soft, and slow Descends the snow. Even as our cloudy fancies take Suddenly shape in some divine expression, Even as the troubled heart doth make In the white countenance confession, The troubled sky reveals The grief it feels. This is the poem of the air, Slowly in silent syllables recorded; This is the secret of despai…