Publishing
January favorites
with original recommendations, descriptions and references by Kristin Addington Culpepper (Parenting Expert and Author)
Click on an image to order the book today!
Or download your own copy of the booklist for your next trip to the library.
Before Morning
Another we can all relate to as we have at some point wished for snow to slow down our days, keep our loved ones close and experience a little out of the ordinary magic that snow can provide. The illustrations are refreshingly unique. Pilots and their families can especially relate to the story line.
Carl's Snowy Afternoon
This series was one we read all of and were never disappointed in the adventures of this nanny dog, Carl, and his charge. So much fun to read these- the illustrations do most of the “telling”.
Winter is the Warmest Season
It feels as though both the illustrations and words in this book just wrap you up like a big cozy blanket. They draw you right in and snuggle you up. This is a book my children have always enjoyed, although adults will feel just as snug as they take it in.
Owl Moon
The Snowy Day
Anyone who has heard and owl’s call or seen one in flight can attest to just how majestic, mysterious and intriguing the creatures are. Setting out on a dark night in hopes to find a sign of one is such an exciting adventure! It’s also hard work to not be seen or heard by the owl. Wonderful story of a father and daughter on an owling expedition.
Simple, relatable and strong characters and adventures on one snowy day. A classic, for sure and the illustrations are not on US postage stamps by mistake!
The Wish Tree
Ten Ways to Hear Snow
This one reminds us that anything is possible, wishes do come true and we just have to surround ourselves by those who support this way of thinking! This one will warm your heart.
A little girl experiences snow with all her senses, really learns to listen in the quiet of the snow and visits her beloved grandma to make and share a special meal together. The family is Lebanese, which gives those who are not, a wonderful opportunity to peek into their culture and world a bit.
Froggy Gets Dressed
This has always been one of our favorites! Parents and children alike can very much relate to poor Froggy’s experience! Giggles galore- especially if you give the characters some great voices. ;)
Frog and Toad All Year
An all-time favorite and go-to for guffaws. Kind of like the amphibious “Ernie and Bert”! ;).
The Snow Dancer
Anyone who enjoys dancing, spinning and twirling will want to snuggle up with this book.
Mice Skating
Ollie's Ski Trip
Beautiful illustrations with a wonderful color palette as well as lots of hidden gems for the cheese connoisseur. You could make a whole lesson about cheese out of this one- not the point, though! There are a few books in this series.
Another magical tale from the land of Sweden, that involves ice family, ice skates, and characters such as Father Winter and Jack Frost, whom Ollie meets along the way. The classic Elsa Beskow illustrations that we know and love. This is one I not only put in the childrens’ winter reading basket each year, but also found worth displaying on our nature table or book shelf for the season.
The Winter Visitors
The illustrations really tell the story in this one and the words are few. This is one that allows the “I wonder…” to come alive in you. Our family likes to be up north in the woods where moose, elk and bear wander and it’s fun to imagine what these animals do when we are not there to rain on their parade! A good lesson in “sharing”…. ;)
Bunny Slopes
Silly and very interactive book- even my 12 year old though it was cute!
The Gruffalo's Child
Snowmen at Night
Ever wonder what snowmen do at night? Well, this might give you a few ideas!
Part of the Gruffalo series, this offers suspense, silliness and gives us an idea as to how tall tales can begin.
There Was a Cold Lady Who
Swallowed Some Snow
In the Snow
Mina's White Canvas
In the same vein as Harold and the Purple Crayon, Mina uses her imagination to create a winter wonderland full of whimsy, adventure and friends.
The faith of a child that is unwavering, despite all the nay-sayers. Let it snow!!!
No Two Alike
As we visit a winter landscape, we are reminded that everything and everyone is fabulously unique!
Stranger in the Woods:
A Photographic Fantasy (Nature)
A delightful story of the forest animals' reactions to the “stranger” who has suddenly appeared in the woods and the discovering of this new neighbor. Really adorable with beautiful photography- a unique book.
Little Witch Hazel
A Year in the Forest
Big Snow
The Mitten
Written and illustrated by a homeschooler- relatable, nostalgic and steeped in nature and the imagination. One story per season- see my Around the Year booklist for more ideas for books celebrating all the seasons. In the “Winter” section of this book, Hazel lovingly makes house calls on her forest friends who are in need of a midwife or healer and then finds herself in quite the predicament. Thankfully, there is a happy ending. ;).
A remarkably illustrated book, which is predictable of author/illustrator Jan Brett. Once again, she traveled “to the scene” of where her story might have taken place. This is an old Ukranian folktale that has been rightfully celebrated and recreated in many ways throughout time.
A very relatable story for anyone who has ever anticipated the joys and wonder of snow! It can be so hard to be patient and stay on task with such potential excitement in the air.
Snow Comes to the Farm
A true story of a boy’s memory of one special first snow. The painted illustrations draw you right into the scene and farm life, the forest, family and home. You can really feel the storm approaching, the snow falling, the animals, trees and the wonder and grace of it all.
The Reader
The Complete Brambly Hedge
(Winter Story)
The Winter book in a darling series with cozy illustrations that are a feast for the eyes. It is always fun to check in with the critters at Brambly Hedge to see what they’re up to each season. If you like Beatrix Potter and her characters and stories, you’ll certainly enjoy this crowd. The link for the treasury can be found on my Around the Year booklist.
A boy, his dog, a book, a sled, some snow and a big hill- such a dear book…..about hard work, play, companionship, reading and the joy in it all.
Snow
The Snow Globe Family
Red Sled
Wolf in the Snow
Blizzard
Snow
The Story of the Snow Children
Terrible Storm
The Biggest Snowman Ever
Katy and the Big Snow
Winter
The Missing Mitten Mystery
The Snowman
Over and Under the Snow
Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee
This is part of a series and if you SING it together- it can be a lot of fun….and you might become a bit winded so be prepared!