The winter season is officially upon us, and one of the best things to do in the colder weather is to cozy up with a nice book, admiring the outside elements while keeping warm and toasty inside!
This month we have selected some snow-themed books to get you started on your winter reading.
Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, picture books – we’ve got a nice mix here, and there’s more to discover in our winter display at the library! Come in out of the cold and visit us soon!
NONFICTION
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin (Biography, K-3rd)
BIOGRAPHY BENTLEY M
Wilson Bentley had been fascinated by snowflakes ever since he was a child and he was determined to study the miraculous bits of nature. His curiosity and determination led to pictures and insights about snowflakes that still inspire wonder and delight in viewers today, almost 100 years later. This book is a Caldecott Award winner, with beautiful illustrations and writing that draws you right into Bentley’s lovely obsession.
It’s Snowing by Gail Gibbons (Nonfiction, PreK-3rd)
J 551.5784 GIB
Sure, snow is fun and festive and -- given enough of it – it makes for amazing surprise days off from school, but what exactly is snow? How is it formed? What causes it to snow? Where in the world can you find snow? These questions and more are answered in this simple yet informative nonfiction book, from an author who excels at explaining interesting topics in an easy to comprehend manner.
It’s Snowing! It’s Snowing! Winter Poems by Jack Prelutsky (Poetry, K-3rd)
J 811 PRELUTSKY (WINTER)
Everything you love about winter is captured in this classic collection of 16 poems, perfect for beginning readers. Silly poems, sweet ones, and poems that make you think, round out the book. It touches upon common snowy activities such as skating, building a snowman, throwing snowballs, and catching a cold (sorry, but winter does have its downsides, as well as its magical moments)!
FICTION
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner (PreK-1st)
PICTURE BUEHNER (WINTER)
Have you ever noticed that the morning after a snowman is made, it looks a little different? A little droopy, maybe a bit disheveled? Has that ever made you wonder what snowmen do at night that makes them look so tired the next day? That’s exactly what this book reveals -- the nocturnal adventures of snowpeople, as they participate in snowman races, drink ice-cold cocoa, have the world’s best snowball fight and more! This is the first of a series of snowman adventures, so you can also look for Snowmen at Work, Snowmen All Year and others! Bonus: The illustrator loves to incorporate hidden images among his artwork, so be on the lookout for fun surprises!
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner (PreK-1st)
PICTURE BUEHNER (WINTER)
Have you ever noticed that the morning after a snowman is made, it looks a little different? A little droopy, maybe a bit disheveled? Has that ever made you wonder what snowmen do at night that makes them look so tired the next day? That’s exactly what this book reveals -- the nocturnal adventures of snowpeople, as they participate in snowman races, drink ice-cold cocoa, have the world’s best snowball fight and more! This is the first of a series of snowman adventures, so you can also look for Snowmen at Work, Snowmen All Year and others! Bonus: The illustrator loves to incorporate hidden images among his artwork, so be on the lookout for fun surprises!
There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro (Picture book, K-2nd)
PICTURE PAPER COLANDRO (WINTER)
Snow and silliness go quite well together, as evidenced by this twist on the traditional “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” tale. In this version, the ridiculous main character swallows snow, a pipe, some coal, a hat, and more. It all leads to an ending that you’ll probably see coming, but will definitely enjoy nonetheless!
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell (Picture book, K-2nd)
PICTURE CORDELL
This mostly wordless picture book is a visual and emotional delight! In two initially parallel threads, a little girl and a wolf cub are both separated from their families when they are caught in a snowstorm. Before long, their paths intertwine, and with a little kindness and cooperation, the characters are able to help each other reunite with their loved ones. Simply charming!
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (Picture book, K-2nd)
PICTURE KEATS
No winter-themed book list would be complete without the addition of the classic Caldecott Award-winning story, The Snowy Day. Even after 58 years, it’s still as bright, playful, and entrancing as the moment it was published. Whether your little one has experienced Peter’s adventures or not, it’s the perfect time to read (or re-read) Keats’ masterpiece.
A Day So Gray by Marie Lamba (Picture book, K-2nd)
PICTURE LAMBA
A new perspective can change your view of the world, as demonstrated by this story that starts with a girl who is faced with a dull, gray winter day until her friend helps her open her eyes to the colorful wonders around her. Observant readers will love seeing the transition in the vibrant colors of the illustrations as the views of the two little girls first contrast, and then connect.
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner (Informational picture book, PreK-2nd)
PICTURE MESSNER (WINTER)
As a girl and her father cross-country ski through an idyllic winter wonderland, the father shares information about the animals that they see (and don’t see) along the way. What do wild creatures do in the winter? What is happening over and under the snow? This is a charming blend of lovely illustrations and informative narration, and is part of a series (that can all be read as stand-alones) which includes Over and Under the Rainforest, Over and Under the Canyon, Over and Under the Pond, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt.
