When we were forced to go virtual during the onslaught of Covid-19 in March of 2020, as a 4th grade reading teacher I was frantic to find a virtual way to bring quality, diverse books to my students. Since then, Epic! has been my go-to for finding diverse and ACCESSIBLE books. Epic! is always free for educators, and students have free access during the school day. For less then a Starbucks Carmel macchiato per month, your child can have access to over 40k titles. I call it the “Netflix of books”!
For educators and families looking for a collection of diverse titles to celebrate a variety of winter holidays and the season itself, look no further and click this link.
As always, Happy Reading!
Hanukkah
Written by Deborah Heiligman
With dazzling images and engaging text, readers learn about the historical and cultural significance of Hanukkah and why it is celebrated around the world. From the lighting of the menorah to the special foods that are shared to the spinning of the dreidels, they’ll get insights about this holiday’s traditions and the Jewish faith. This book also offers fascinating facts, a recipe, and a Common Core-aligned activities
Written by Heidi Smith Hyde & Illustrated by Jamel Akib
Emanuel and the Hanukkah Rescue
Angry that his father is afraid to kindle the Hanukkah lights, Emanuel stows away on a whaling ship. When a storm overtakes the boat, it is his father’s change of heart and the family menorah that light the way home.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Written by Eric Kimmel & Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
An original tale featuring a traditional Jewish folk hero, this clever story, which received a Sydney Taylor Honor, has been a family favorite for decades.
On the first night of Hanukkah, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village, where plenty of latkes and merriment should warm him.
But when he arrives not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over the synagogue, and the villagers cannot celebrate at all! Hershel vows to help them. Using his wits, the clever trickster faces down one goblin after the next, night after night. But can one man alone save Hanukkah and live to tell the tale?
Holidays with Joe
Written by Sara E. Hoffman & Illustrated by Lisa Bueno
Joe is Jewish, and his friend Nia is Christian. See how they each enjoy the holidays! This simple story incorporates words from the first grade-level Dolch Sight Word List to build literacy skills.
Written by Susan Schnur and Anna Schnur-Fishman & Illustrated by Alex Steele-Morgan
Annie leads her family on a nighttime journey around their farm to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. At each stop along the way―the Old Log, Squeezy Cave, and Billy Goat’s Bridge―Annie uses riddles (and potatoes) to mark old traditions and start new ones. They end up at Turtle Rock Creek, where they give thanks for the light and warmth (and potatoes) in their lives.
Red and Green and Blue and White
Written by Lee Wind & Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
Inspired by a true story, this is a tale of a community that banded together to spread light.
It’s a holiday season that both Isaac, whose family is Jewish, and Teresa, whose family is Christian, have looked forward to for months! They’ve been counting the days, playing in the snow, making cookies, drawing (Teresa) and writing poems (Isaac). They enjoy all the things they share, as well as the things that make them different.
But when Isaac’s window is smashed in the middle of the night, it seems like maybe not everyone appreciates “difference.”
Written by Jane Naliboff & Illustrated by Jeff Hopkins
This heartwarming story explores the many ways in which children feel unique and special. Mrs. Matthews’s first grade class begins making Christmas decorations, but because Jennifer is Jewish, Mrs. Matthews allows her to make Hanukkah decorations instead. Jennifer enjoys the attention and creates “The Only One Club,” of which she is the sole member. When her classmates want to join, she is resistant until she realizes that each of her friends is also “the only one” at something. As she inducts them into her club she reveals the unique qualities that make each of her classmates extraordinary. Through this touching story, young children are encouraged to discover and treasure their own uniqueness and to actively look for special qualities in others beyond race or culture.
Written by Ellen Kushner & Illustrated by Kevin Keele
Sara wishes her family celebrated Christmas or at least had one of the pretty trees she sees at her friends’ houses. But at her family’s big Chanukah party, mysterious guest Tante Miriam gives Sara a one-of-a-kind gift: an enormous, golden dreidel. Miriam warns her to be careful, for when she spins it, she’s spinning miracles. Sara soon discovers there’s much more to the dreidel than meets the eye, and before long she’s spun herself into a whole new world–one of magical princesses, riddles, and demons. Can Sara discover her wisdom and rely on her courage to help a new friend and to find her way back home? The perfect Chanukah read!
The Missing Letters: A Dreidel Story
Written by Renee Londner & Illustrated by Iryna Bodnaruk
It’s almost Hanukkah and the dreidel-maker’s shop is busy. But all is not well for the four Hebrew letters that will soon go on the wooden tops. The Heys, the Nuns, and the Shins are jealous of everyone’s favorite letter, the Gimel. They decide to hide the Gimels so that the dreidel-maker can’t use them. But then the other letters learn that the Hanukkah story wouldn’t be complete without the Gimels! Is it too late for the missing letters to be found?
Winter Solstice
Raven Brings Back the Sun: A Tale from Canada
Written by Suzanne Barchers & Illustrated by Angela Oliynyk
In the far north of Canada, daylight disappears for much of the year. This Inuit legend describes how the First People of Canada explained the sun’s return to their remote lands.
Written by Jenna Lee Gleisner
Engage readers with a story of the winter solstice. Readers are introduced to the concepts of how Earth’s tilt creates the seasons and why there are less hours of daylight in winter. Additional features include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, an index, an introduction to the author, and sources for further research. A kid-friendly project inspires creativity and hands-on fun.
Christmas
Written & Illustrated by Susan L. Roth
The year after Grandpa’s death, Ben’s family spends Christmas in Puerto Rico, where Grandma makes sure the holiday still has some familiar elements, even if everything is a little different.
Written by Michael Avaarluk & Illustrated by Vladyana Krykorka
Life in the high Arctic is beautifully captured in this classic picture book by award-winning Inuit author Michael Kusugak. The year is 1955 and Arvaarluk and his friends watch as Rocky Parsons lands his plane on the ice in Repulse Bay, a tiny community “smack dab on the Arctic Circle.” Having never seen trees before, the children try to guess what the six green spindly things are that Rocky delivers. One of the boys has a brilliant idea: why not use them as baseball bats? Full of vibrant, richly-colored illustrations, this story gives young readers ages 5 to 8 a glimpse into a time, place, and culture that may be new to them. The Arctic way of life is realistically portrayed by the author, whose narrative voice resonates with the lilt of his native language.
Written by Susan Edwards Richmond & Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
For the New England Christmas Bird Count, young Ava and her mother prepare to be the best “citizen scientists” they can be. With the help of their team leader Big Al, they record the tally of all the birds they see. Ava dutifully counts all the birds along the way, using her most important tools―her eyes and ears―and the birding identification techniques she’s learned. But will she locate her favorite raven again this year in time for their town’s annual Christmas Bird Count party?
Case of the Christmas Concert Catastrophe
Written by Kyla Steinkraus & Illustrated by David Ouro
Introduce your child to the magic of Christmas and a good “who dunnit” story with The Case of the Christmas Concert Catastrophe kid’s mystery book!
Lyra is so excited for the Christmas concert that she has a hard time focusing on anything else―that is until someone starts sabotaging the decorations needed for the concert! Who would want to get the concert canceled? Join the Gumshoe Gang at Watson Elementary as they solve the latest mystery.
Written by Deborah Heiligman
With dazzling photographs and lively, lyrical text, this book introduces young readers to historical and cultural aspects of the Christmas holiday. Kids will get diverse and unique viewpoints about this very special day. With fascinating facts, a recipe, and Common Core-alignment activities, reading and learning about Christmas adds to the excitement in preparing for it.
Christmas: From Solstice to Santa
Written by Nikki Tate & Dani Tate-Stratton
Christmas is a popular holiday celebrated by people all over the world. This informative and engaging exploration of Christmas is aimed at the middle grades but will entertain readers of a much wider age range. Learn about the games played, foods eaten, music played and favorite ways of decorating in different parts of the world. With lots of fun facts (about everything from frumenty to the jolly old man in red himself) and recipes, there’s plenty in this beautifully illustrated volume to satisfy anyone with an interest in the festive season.
Daisy Has the Holiday Blues
Written by Marci Peschke & Illustrated by M.H. Pilz
Navidad is Daisy’s favorite holiday. Just when she is ready to buy her presents, the Martinez family gets some bad news.
Federico and the Magi’s Gift: A Latin American Christmas Story
Written & Illustrated by Beatriz Vidal
It’s the eve of the Epiphany, or the Feast of the Three Kings, and that means the Three Wise Men, or Magi, will ride through the night sky to deliver gifts to children. Four-year-old Federico has misbehaved, and now he is afraid the Magi won’t leave him any presents. As his brother and sister prepare hay and water for the Magi’s camels, Federico stays by himself: Will he get the caballito, or toy horse, he is hoping for? Will the Magi really come?
Written by Beth Greenway & Illustrated by Jamie Meckel Tablason
Christmas Day in Hawaii is a special day the sun shines brighter, the birds sing louder, and the palm trees sway and beckon ‘ohana outside to celebrate. Author Beth Greenway describes the perfect Christmas day in sing-song rhyme. After presents are opened, a family heads to the beach to spend the day together. Auntie dances hula, keiki swim in the ocean, and Santa paddles in on a red canoe. It’s a quiet ode to a perfect island Christmas filled with family and friends simply shared until the sun goes down over the ocean.
Jingle Bells
Written by James Pierpont & Illustrated by Jade Goegebuer
Take a Ride in a One Horse Open Sleigh The classic Christmas carol comes to life in this beautifully illustrated edition of Jingle Bells.
Joy to the World! Christmas Around the Globe
Written by Kate DePalma & Illustrated by Sophie Fatus
“Explore Christmas traditions from 13 different countries! Rhyming text and detailed illustrations make the book accessible to younger readers, while educational endnotes about the 13 celebrations add interest for older children. Gold ink and festive illustrations capture the joy of the season and make this book a beautiful gift in itself. Engaging and informative for anyone who wants to learn about the holiday. Features Christmas traditions from: *Ethiopia *Colombia *Australia *Italy *Serbia *Mexico *India *Iceland *Egypt *Argentina *Philippines *Lebanon *Canada*.
Missile Toe: A Very Confused Christmas
Written by Devin Scillian & Illustrated by Marty Kelley
Christmas can be a very confusing holiday. Just what are sugarplums anyway?! This collection of silly poems show classic Christmas carols and traditions reimagined through the eyes of a very confused kid. With illustrations from the hysterical Marty Kelley, this is a perfect pick for a holiday full of belly laughs.
Written by Mireille Messier & Illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
Beep! Beep! go the taxis. Voof! go the velvet curtains. The Nutcracker ballet and New York City’s David H. Koch Theater come to life in this onomatopoeic representation of a little girl’s experience at the ballet. From the swish of her dress and the tick-tick-tick of the conductor’s baton to the twelve bongs of the clock and the pitter-patter of dancers’ feet, this special evening is filled with sensory treats for the eyes and especially the ears. And did she enjoy the ballet? The answer is a big smooch on her father’s cheek.
Pony Tails #15: Corey’s Christmas Wish
Written by Bonnie Bryant
Corey Takamura wants only one thing for Christmas: for her parents to get back together. However, Doc Tock, Corey’s mom, has been spending a lot of time with their neighbor, Kyle Lee. Now Corey is afraid that Mr. Lee may be ready to propose. Corey has to get her parents back together fast! As she plots, she and her friends are also getting ready for the animal Christmas party at CARL (the County Animal Rescue League)–even though it means making treats for all the animals themselves. When the big day finally arrives, the Pony Tails get a wonderful surprise, and Corey comes to an important realization about her parents.
Written by Gail Matthews & Illustrated by Ali Hinch
Simonie loves to dance! When he sees a sign for Taloyoak’s annual Christmas Jigging Dance Contest, he can’t wait to enter. But practising is hard work, and Simonie starts to worry that he won’t do a good job in front of all his friends and neighbours. Luckily, with a little advice from his anaana and ataata, and some help from his friends Dana and David, Simonie learns how to listen to the music and dance the way it makes him feel. When the time comes for the contest, he’s ready to dance his very best. Based on the annual Christmas dance contest in the community of Taloyoak, Nunavut, this heartwarming picture book shows how a lot of hard work―and a little inspiration―can go a long way.
Sing, Sing, Sing a Christmas Song (Read to Me)
Written by Kim Mitzo Thompson and Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand & Illustrated by Iesha Wright
Help an adorable girl gain confidence as we sing along to celebrate the arrival of Christmas.
The Nutcracker’s Night Before Christmas
Written by Keith Brockett & Illustrated by Joseph Cowman
In The Nutcracker’s Night Before Christmas preparations for a doomed stage production of the classic ballet goes from terribly bad to ridiculously worse. Sick stagehands, renegade cats, and crashing Christmas trees have everyone sure that the show won’t go on. But it’s Christmas Eve and help is on the way! Told in verse with wonderful whimsical illustrations, this story hits all the right notes for holiday reading.
The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story
Written by Terri Hoover Dunham & Illustrated by Laura Knorr
Around the world Santa Claus has many names. But in a deep, swampy bayou of Louisiana, he’s known as Papa Noël. In such a hot and humid place, there can be no sleds or reindeer, so Papa Noël rides the river in a boat that’s pulled by eight alligators, with a snowy white one named Nicollette in the lead. On this particular Christmas Eve, it’s so foggy on the river that even Nicollette’s magical glowing-green eyes may not be enough to guide Papa Noël. The alligators are tired, grumpy and bruised from banging into cypress trees, and Papa is desperate to get all the gifts to the little children. Well, “quicker than a snake shimmies down the river,” the clever Cajun people come up with a solution that saves the day. A colorfully inventive Christmas tale, Papa Noël is a lesson in fast thinking, as well as a witty introduction to a part of America that’s rich in folklore and legend.
The Plan for the Gingerbread House
Written by Darcy Pattison & Illustrated by John Joven
A team of kids struggle to create the perfect gingerbread house. The project guidelines are clear: the winning house must stand upright on its own and a gingerbread boy and girl must fit inside.
Sounds easy?
But creating is hard. Cookie burn, the icing it too thin, the house caves-in, someone is eating the candy decorations, and—Oh!—they forgot about putting the gingerbread boy and girl inside the house.
Engineering is a creative process. That means you must learn to
- overcome problems
- and persevere.
Inspire budding engineers to think about the classic gingerbread house in new ways.
Winicker and the Christmas Visit (Winicker Wallace)
Written by Renee Beauregard Lute & Illustrated by Laura Horton
Winicker Wallace’s best friend, Roxanne, is coming to spend Christmas in Paris! Winicker is thrilled. But she is worried when Roxanne doesn’t want to do their traditional Christmas activities. Instead, Roxanne wants to sightsee in Paris! But when Winicker and Roxanne celebrate Christmas in a way neither of them expected, Winicker sees they haven’t grown apart after all.
Kwanzaa
Written by Carolyn Otto
Celebrate Kwanzaa continues the spectacular Holidays Around the World series by focusing on this African-American holiday, which falls during the festive, gift-giving season and is celebrated by families, communities, and schools throughout America. With succinct, lively text and beautiful photographs, the book celebrates African-American culture and helps us to understand and appreciate this special holiday.
Written by Rachel Grack
Black, red, and green. These are the colors of Kwanzaa, the celebration of African-American culture. Black represents African heritage. And red and green stand for the hard times of the past and hope for the future. Beginning readers will learn some Swahili as they read about the seven days of Kwanzaa.
Celebrations in My World: Kwanzaa
Written by Molly Aloian
Kwanzaa is an African American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1, while celebrating Kwanzaa people eat delicious foods, wear special clothes, sing, dance, and celebrate their ancestors.
Kwanzaa (Bullfrog Books: Holidays) (Read to Me)
Written by Rebecca Pettiford
In Kwanzaa, early readers will learn about the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa and the ways people celebrate it. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they explore this unique holiday. A labeled diagram helps readers understand the symbols of Kwanzaa, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about Kwanzaa online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Kwanzaa also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index. Kwanzaa is part of Jump! s Holidays series.
Written by Lisa Bullard & Illustrated Constanza Basaluzzo
Kwanzaa traces its origins to the American Civil Rights era. Critical thinking questions and fast facts prompt young readers to engage with this fun narrative and learn all about Kwanzaa.
We Celebrate Kwanzaa in Winter
Written by Rebecca Felix
This Level 1 guided reader examines how people celebrate Kwanzaa. Students will develop word recognition and reading skills while learning about Kwanzaa principles and rituals of recognition.
Chinese New Year
Baby Loves: Lunar Phases on Chinese New Year!
Written by Ruth Spiro & Illustrated by Irene Chan
While celebrating Chinese New Year, Baby discovers the science behind lunar phases! Accurate enough to satisfy an expert, yet simple enough for baby, this clever board book explores the lunar calendar, the moon’s orbit, and the reason the moon seems to change shape. Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage baby’s sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two as well.
Written by Lisa Bullard & Illustrated by Katie Saunders
Chelsea’s family is celebrating Chinese New Year!
Chelsea gets to stay up late. She watches fireworks and a parade with a dragon! She and her family have a big feast. Find out the different ways people celebrate this special day!
Learn the history behind the days people celebrate in the Holidays and Special Days series. Each book follows a young narrator through the process of preparing for and celebrating a special event.
Chinese New Year: A Celebration for Everyone
Written by Jen Sookfong Lee
From its beginnings as a farming celebration marking the end of winter to its current role as a global party featuring good food, lots of gifts and public parades, Chinese New Year is a snapshot of Chinese culture. Award-winning author and broadcaster Jen Sookfong Lee recalls her childhood in Vancouver and weaves family stories into the history, traditions and evolution of Chinese New Year. Lavishly illustrated with color photographs throughout.
By Rich Lo
Hóng is the color of firecrackers! Jīn is the hue of lucky coins. Zŏng is the shade of sweet peanut puffs. Welcome to the festivities of the Chinese New Year, where symbolic gifts, foods, and objects come together in a celebration of beautiful colors.
This simple and bold bilingual board book is perfect for toddlers and lap sitters. Each spread focuses on a particular color, giving the name in both Chinese and English, and showcasing a traditional part of the New Year celebration–from paper fans to lion dances.
Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Chinese New Year: With Fireworks, Dragons, and Lanterns
By Carolyn Otto
Children have never had so many reasons to learn how Chinese people everywhere ring in the new and ring out the old. As China takes its new place on the global stage, understanding Chinese culture and values becomes ever more essential to our next generation.
For two joyous weeks red is all around. The color represents luck and happiness. Children receive money wrapped in red paper, and friends and loved ones exchange poems written on red paper. The Chinese New Year is also an opportunity to remember ancestors, and to wish peace and happiness to friends and family. The holiday ends with the Festival of Lanterns, as many large communities stage the famous Dragon Dance. Fireworks, parades, lanterns, presents, and feasts: these are some of the joys experienced by all who observe Chinese New Year.
Written by Adam Wallace & Illustrated by Andy Elkerton
Do you have what it takes to snag a dragon? The How to Catch kids are off again, this time trying to catch a dragon as they chase him through Chinese New Year celebrations! Set in China during the Spring Festival, otherwise known as Chinese New Year, the wily dragon will have to avoid trap after trap as the kids run through paper lanterns, red lunar envelopes, fireworks, and more!
Lin Yi’s Lantern: A Moon Festival Tale
Written by Brenda Williams & Illustrated by Benjamin Lacom
Lin Yi’s mother has sent him to the local market to buy food for the Moon Festival, but what he really wants is a red rabbit lantern. Will he barter well enough to be able to buy one? Benjamin Lacombe’s vivid illustrations are the perfect complement to Brenda Williams’ gentle story.
Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon
Written by Virginia Loh-Hagan & Illustrated by Timothy Banks
Mei hates springtime. Why? Because it’s only in the spring that Nian, a fierce dragon, is able to leave his mountain prison under the sea to terrorize the local village. When the villagers hear the rumblings of Nian’s hungry stomach, they know that winter has ended and spring is coming. But this year on the night before the first day of spring, a magical warrior visits Mei in her dreams. He tells Mei that it is her destiny to face and defeat Nian. But she must do it within 15 days or the dragon will be free forever.
Written by Virginia Loh-Hagan & Illustrated by Renne Benoit
When her Chinese grandmother comes to visit, a young Chinese-American girl learns of and participates in the customs and beliefs celebrating an authentic Chinese New Year.
Written by Roseanne Thong & Illustrated by Grace Lin
A little girl’s urban neighborhood becomes a discovery ground for all things round, square, and rectangular in this lyrical picture book. Most items are Asian in origin, others universal: round rice bowls and a found pebble, square dim sum and the boxes that the pizzas come in, rectangular Chinese lace and a very special pencil case. Bright, whimsical art accompanies the narrative rhyme, and a short glossary adds cultural significance to the objects featured in the book. Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing.
Written by Karen Chinn & Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu
During Chinese New Year, a young boy encounters a homeless person and discovers that no gift is too small when it comes from the heart.
Sam can hardly wait to go shopping with his mom. It’s Chinese New Year’s day and his grandparents have given him the traditional gift of lucky money-red envelopes called leisees (lay-sees). This year Sam is finally old enough to spend it any way he chooses. Best of all, he gets to spend his lucky money in his favorite place – Chinatown!
But when Sam realizes that his grandparents’ gift is not enough to get the things he wants, his excitement turns to disappointment. Even though his mother reminds him that he should appreciate the gift, Sam is not convinced – until a surprise encounter with a stranger.
The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac
Written by Dawn Casey & Illustrated by Anne Wilson
Race long with Rat, Monkey, Dragon, and their companions while discovering the origin of the Chinese Zodiac. This bright and colorful book includes intriguing notes about the Chinese calendar, the festivals, and the animal that rules each year.
Winter
Written & Illustrated by Roger Langridge
Abigail is a nine-year-old with a huge imagination but when she and her dad move to a small town, that imagination only makes it harder to fit in at her new school. All that changes when she meets a loveable and sophisticated yeti named Claude who has escaped a top secret government facility. Abigail and Claude quickly become best friends, even if no one believes that he’s real. The fun can’t last and it’s not long before the mysterious Shadow Men chasing Claude are hot on his trail. To keep him safe from his former captors, Abigail and Claude embark on a great adventure to find his real home, but it might not be exactly where they expected.
Amadi’s Snowman: A Story of Reading
Written by Katia Novet Saint-lot & Illustrated by Dimitrea Tokunbo
Why does Amadi’s mother insist he learn to read words? Why should an Igbo boy of Nigeria, who will become a great trader, waste precious time on books?
When he runs off to the market instead of sticking around for a reading lesson, he encounters a much-admired older boy secretly reading at a book stall, and then Amadi becomes intrigued by a storybook with pictures of a strange white creature that has a carrot for a nose. Unable to shake his questions about the snowman, Amadi discovers the vast world reading can open up―especially for an Igbo boy of Nigeria.
Written by Christine Platt & Illustrated by Sharon Sordo
School is canceled! Ana & Andrew play in the snow with their neighbors and learn to make snow ice cream. They save some snow cream in the freezer for their cousins in Trinidad who have never seen snow. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards.
A Snowstorm Shows Off: Blizzards
Written by Belinda & Illustrated by Renee Kurilla
Wow! A snowstorm on a school day turns into a blizzard. Cody is afraid he could be stuck in school until summer! Bel the Weather Girl helps her friends understand what makes some snowstorms change into blizzards. Will the storm let up before school is out? Stay tuned, because every day is another weather day!
Written by Jessica Betancourt-Perez & Karen Lynn Williams & Illustrated by Gina Maldonado
Isabella has recently arrived from Colombia with her mother and abuela. She misses Papa, who is still in South America. It’s her first day of school, her make-new-friends day, but when classes are canceled because of too much snow, Isabella misses warm, green, Colombia more than ever. Then Isabella meets Katie and finds out that making friends in the cold is easier than she thought!
Flash and Gleam: Light In Our World
Written by Sue Fliess & Illustrated by Khoa Le
The soft glow of a candle, the blink of a firefly, a burst of fireworks―light is everywhere in our world!
Rhyming text and luminous illustrations follow four children as they experience many different forms of light.
Groundhogs and Guinea Pigs: A Reader’s Theater Script and Guide
Written by Nancy K. Wallace & Illustrated by Nina Mata
Celebrate Groundhog’s Day with a play! Mr. Pacella in a groundhog costume? Sure. But Jake has an even better idea for Groundhog’s Day
Hello Winter! (Hello Seasons!)
Written & Photographed by Shelley Rotner
In crystal clear photographs and a spare text, Shelley Rotner notes changes in the physical earth as winter approaches as well as animal and plant adaptations. Rotner’s acclaimed photography beautifully captures the curiosity and engery of a diverse group of youngsters as they explore and learn about the natural world.
This third book in the celebrated, STEM-focused Hello Seasons! series is the perfect guide to take children from the shortest day of the year to the arrival of spring. A glossary is included.
Written by Amy Newbold & Illustrated by Greg Newbold
If someone asked you to paint a snowman, you would probably start with three white circles stacked one upon another. Then you would add black dots for eyes, an orange triangle for a nose, and a black dotted smile. But if Picasso painted a snowman…
From that simple premise flows this delightful, whimsical, educational picture book that shows how the artist’s imagination can summon magic from a prosaic subject. Greg Newbold’s chameleon-like artistry shows us Roy Lichtenstein’s snow hero saving the day, Georgia O’Keefe’s snowman blooming in the desert, Claude Monet’s snowmen among haystacks, Grant Wood’s American Gothic snowman, Jackson Pollock’s snowman in ten thousand splats, Salvador Dali’s snowmen dripping like melty cheese, and snowmen as they might have been rendered by J. M. W. Turner, Gustav Klimt, Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, Georges Seurat, Pablita Velarde, Piet Mondrian, Sonia Delaunay, Jacob Lawrence, and Vincent van Gogh. Our guide for this tour is a lively hamster who―also chameleon-like―sports a Dali mustache on one spread, a Van Gogh ear bandage on the next.
Written by Elizabeth Spurr & Illustrated by Manelle Oliphant
Simple and evocative language and charming illustrations describe a girl’s experience on a snowy day.
In this gently rhyming board book, a young girl makes a snowman, sleds, and has other winter fun!
Written by Darryl Baker & Illustrated by Qin Leng
Jake can’t wait for his uncle to meet Kamik, and to see what an obedient puppy he is becoming. Jake’s uncle is a great musher, who has won many dog sledding races, and if Kamik is good enough, Jake hopes today might be the day that Kamik finally gets to run with a dog team!
Written by Darryl Baker & Illustrated by Ali Hinch
Jake and Kamik are finally ready to run their first dog sled race with a full team! But there is a lot to do to prepare, and Jake must follow his uncle’s lead if he and his dogs are going to be ready for the early spring race. Kamik Takes the Lead is the fourth installment in the Kamik series of books following Kamik: An Inuit Puppy Story, Kamik’s First Sled, and Kamik Joins the Pack. Books in this series share traditional dog-rearing practices and dog-training techniques from the remote community of Arviat, Nunavut, through the life memories of community members. These books preserve the rich history of working dogs in Nunavut and celebrate the traditional bond between Inuit and their sled dogs.
Libby Wimbley: Birdhouse Builder
Written by Amy Cobb & Illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis
It’s a snow day for Libby and Becca! That means making snow angels, sledding, and looking for animal tracks, which leads them to some hungry birds. Libby and Becca decide to help the birds. They build them a tree house to keep them warm and provide snacks so they won’t be hungry.
Written by Rebecca Upjohn & Illustrated by Renee Benoit
Walking home with her mother one day, Lily runs into a gruff and untidy-looking man selling papers on the street. Lily is afraid of the man, but when the weather turns cold, she sees the Paper Man differently.
Written by Nadia L. Hohn & Illustrated by Irene Luxbacher
Malaika is happy to be reunited with Mummy, but it means moving to a different country, where everything is different. It’s cold in her new city, no one understands when she talks and Carnival is nothing like the celebration Malaika knows from home!
When Mummy marries Mr. Frédéric, Malaika gets a new sister called Adèle. Her new family is nice, but Malaika misses Grandma. She has to wear a puffy purple coat, learn a new language and get used to calling this new place home. Things come to a head when Mummy and Mr. Frédéric take Malaika and Adèle to a carnival. Malaika is dismayed that there are no colorful costumes and that it’s nothing like Carnival at home in the Caribbean! She is so angry that she kicks over Adèle’s snow castle, but that doesn’t make her feel any better. It takes a video chat with Grandma to help Malaika see the good things about her new home and family.
Written by James Gladstone & Illustrated by Gary Clement
A young boy wakes up in the early light of a winter morning, pulls on his boots and mittens, and steps out into the snowy city with his dad. They trudge through the snow, their dog bounding along beside them, then a slushy, steamy bus ride takes them to the tobogganing hill for some winter fun. The boy describes all the sights and sounds of the day, from the frost in Dad’s beard and the snow “pillows” in the park, to the noisy clunking snow plows and the singing buskers they pass on their way home. That night, the boy lies awake under cozy covers, reflecting on the day, as snow blankets the world outside his window.
New Year Traditions Around the World
Written by Ann Malaspina & Elisa Chavarri
Explores global traditions surrounding the arrival of a new year, including food, parties, finding good luck, and making resolutions. Additional features to aid comprehension include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, informative captions, detailed maps, sources for further research, an index, and introductions to the author and illustrator.
Written & Illustrated by Carol Thompson
Let’s play out in the snow! There’s a wealth of sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures to discover and enjoy! In this series of richly illustrated books, Carol Thompson celebrates the immediate and sensory response of children to the natural world – whatever the weather!
Written by Erin Dealey & Illustrated by Claire Shorrock
As the worst snow storm of the year rolls in, one family hunkers down together in a cozy blanket fort for the night. A little girl makes a wish on a snow globe and, in the morning, the sun rises on a winter wonderland–beckoning all outside. And what if, on this snow-filled day, families shake their busy lives and everyone goes out to play? A lyrical holiday story about wishes and community and snow–lots and lots of snow.
Written by A.K. Riley & Illustrated by Dawn Lo
This beautiful picture book uses rhythmic and sensory free verse to tell the story of a young girl exploring the outdoors on a wintry day. Everywhere she goes, the snow fills her with wonder and delight. There are fine pearls of snow, a twirl of snow, a curl of snow. The sky unravels into snow, the pond lathers up with snow, the hills are knitted caps of snow. All she encounters is framed by the snow. It captivates her, swaddles her world, and makes everything snug — from first light, to the darkness of bedtime.
Written by Jon-Erik Lappano & Illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler
Freya has always loved the snow and the way it covers everything like powdered sugar. But the snow hasn’t come to her town for two winters, and she’s starting to forget what it looks and feels like. When will it be cold? When will it snow again?
One day Freya finds a snow globe at the market. It plays the melody of a song that the townspeople sang for generations to call the snow home. Freya’s own grandmother used to sing it to her mother on cold winter nights. Every morning, Freya takes the snow globe outside and sings the song, but still there is no snow … until she has the idea to share the song. Soon everyone in town is singing it, and then, early one morning, the winds change. …
Tales Around the World
Enjoy classic fables and fairy tales, including the story of the Nutcracker!
The People of Twelve Thousand Winters
Written by Trinka Hakes Noble & Illustrated by Jim Madsen
Ten-year-old Walking Turtle is of the Lenni Lenape tribe. He lives with his family in a small village alongside the Passaic River in what will become northern New Jersey. They have a relatively peaceful life, with nature offering up a bounty of resources for food and shelter, amply meeting their needs. Walking Turtle is close to his younger cousin, Little Talk. He feels protective of Little Talk, who has difficulty walking. Together they roam the forests near their village, with Walking Turtle carrying his cousin on his back. But in the autumn of Walking Turtle’s tenth year, his father tells him that soon he must leave childhood friends behind and begin warrior school. Walking Turtle worries about what will become of Little Talk when he leaves for his training. And what is his future?
Written by Jan Waboose & Illustrated by Francois Thisdale
Cousins Will and Tom have always wanted to become Trackers just like their uncle.
While spending time with Uncle he shares the story of the Windigo with the boys. A story that seems to be coming true when Will and Tom hear strange noises outside of their bedroom window. And then they find the huge tracks in the snow. It has to be the Windigo – the Wandering Night Spirit of Winter!
And the boys know what good trackers would do so they follow the trail deep into the dark forest to uncover the mystery.
Violet the Snowgirl: A Story of Loss and Healing
Written by Lisa Walsh & Illustrated by Wendy Leach
When third grader Jerzie wakes up the day after her birthday, she feels grumpy. Her birthday cheer is gone, and she knows today is going to be nothing but boring—until she hears a knock at her door. Grandma’s here! Grandma, Jerzie, and her little brother, Josiah, spend all day outside building and playing with Violet, a snowgirl that becomes a pilot, a teacher, a vet, and even their late granddad throughout the day. But when a warm day comes and Violet melts, Jerzie must learn to cope with her grief and develop positive coping skills.
The stages of grief are complex, but using the simple analogy of building a snowman, Violet the Snowgirl is accessible and versatile. It helps children develop positive coping skills so they can process change, like moving to a new school. It also offers strategies for dealing with more difficult loss, like divorce or death. At the back of the book, you will find conversation prompts and resources to support children experiencing grief.
What a Way to Start a New Year! A Rosh Hashanah Story
Written by Jacqueline Jules & Judy Stead
Beginning the New Year in a new city isn’t easy, and it definitely isn’t starting out very well for Dina and her family! But when they’re welcomed by warm and generous hosts in their new community it becomes a very happy New Year for all.
By Ailie Busby
There’s something special about each season of the year, wherever we live in the world. Follow the children in this book as they discover and explore the unique character of winter, through indoor and outdoor play. Sensory, detailed and child-centred, this is the perfect introduction for young children to the cycles of the year.
Written by Jeron Ashford & Illustrated by Stacey Schuett
When each family at the diverse Juniper Court apartment complex needs something to light up the dark of winter, the stumpy, lumpy candle provides a glow brighter than the fanciest taper, revealing the true spirit of each holiday it illuminates.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Literally Cultured 