When winter arrives, reading a good picture book or two with the kids can be a soothing and toasty activity. Furthermore, there are so many wonderful winter stories to choose from. Filled with fun-loving humor and meaningful prose, these three snowy, winter tales are sure to please any toddler or preschooler.
Where Do the Animals Go?
“’I creep into the house,’ says the mouse. Cold winds blow when it starts to snow.” Children will truly take pleasure in reading along with the book, When It Starts to Snow (by Phillis Gershator, illustrated by Martin Matje, Henry Holt and Company, 1998. ISBN: 0-8050-6765-5). This winter tale is a rhyming adventure in which a young boy follows some of his favorite animals and learns how they survive the cold winter months.
The artwork is playful, right in line with the rhythmic quality of the story, and it is educational as well. Learn about the winter habits of crows, fish, bears, squirrels, and even worms in this winter story that will surely enchant the emerging reader and the younger ones too.
A Whole Lot of Friendship
A Little Bit of Winter (by Paul Stuart, illustrated by Chris Riddell, HarperCollins Publishers, 1998. ISBN: 0-06-443749-3) is the story about a friendship that can outlast any kind of bad weather. Two companions, Hedgehog and Rabbit, live in the woods and stay together throughout the summer and fall. But they must separate during the long, tough winter season while Hedgehog hibernates.
Will a hungry, frigid Rabbit remember to grant Hedgehog’s wish and show him what winter feels like? Or will Hedgehog’s desperate request come back to “bite” him? Find out in this wonderfully tender winter story of devotion and love.
Who’s the Queen?
Why Stella, of course! Stella, Queen of the Snow (by Marie-Louise Gay, Groundwood Books/Douglas & McIntyre Ltd., 2000. ISBN: 0 88899-404-4) tinkers humorously with the relationship between a young boy named Sam and his older sister (Stella), who seems to know everything about everything, especially snow! During his first encounter with winter, Sam will need to ask his big sister a whole lot of difficult questions. Will she be able to answer them all?
A story of poignancy for any young child that admires his/her older siblings, Stella, Queen of the Snow also demonstrates the wonders of youth. After reading this winter picture book, don’t be surprised if the little ones beg to go outside for some quality snow angel making.
Enjoy these three exceptional winter stories during the cold season. Better yet, pull these preschool picture books out on a hot summer day when the kids need “a little bit of winter”.
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