Welcome Winter!
The Winter Solstice is Thursday, December 21st, marking the first day of winter (and the shortest day of the year). For many children, this time of year is filled with great anticipation for the upcoming celebrations of Christmas and Kwanzaa, and a vacation from school. This week I have selected books that celebrate the winter season.
Joyful Reading!
The Snowy Day
Written and Illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats
1963 Caldecott Medal
A celebration of freshly fallen snow and a child's sense of wonder at the fresh blanket of white. For little Peter, the snowy day is an opportunity for adventure and experimentation. Peter’s entire day is chronicled from the time he wakes up in the morning until he goes to bed that night. His adventures in the snow include tracking his footprints, making snow angels, knocking snow from a tree, and trying to save a snowball for the next day. Keats’ luminous illustrations (created with cutouts, collage, and watercolors) skillfully capture the tranquility, silence, and vibrance of a fresh snowfall.
Although a classic in its own right, The Snowy Day, originally published in 1962, has the additional distinction of being the first full-color picture book featuring an African American central character. The critical success of The Snowy Day opened the door for authors and illustrators to publish books featuring African American characters and subsequently African American storylines and themes.
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter
Written and Illustrated by Kenard Pak
In this simple, beautifully illustrated book, two children go out for a late autumn walk, greeting trees, birds, and animals, with a warm “Hello,” and in turn, they respond, telling the children a little about themselves and their transition from autumn to winter. The book is illustrated with double page spreads, capturing the changing of the seasons with layers of color and interesting details. There is much to explore in each of the illustrations –which begin with the warm rich browns, oranges, and reds of autumn and transition into the muted palate of whites and grays of the winter season. As the children make their way into town, they interact with a diverse community of people who celebrate the winter holidays. Keep an eye out for the autumn leaf that appears in each of the illustrations.
The Snow Dancer
Written by Addie Boswell, Illustrated by Mercè López
Following an overnight snowfall, Sofia rejoices at the school-free snow day! She makes her way through her quiet neighborhood to an empty soccer field to dance on the undisturbed snow. Her solitary dance is soon disturbed by a rowdy group of children who run, jump, and yell around the field. Sofia’s attempts to get the other children to quiet down are ignored. Seeing her disappointment, a small child approaches her, and they begin to dance together amid the chaos created by the other children and over time the dance morphs into an energetic, fun filled snowball fight. Addie Boswell’s narrative beautifully captures the calm of the freshly fallen snow and builds to the exuberance of children playing with wild abandon. Mercè López’s illustrations capture the elegance of Sofia’s movements in contrast with the quiet of a snowy neighborhood and the energy of children at play. Young dancers are sure to enjoy this book.
Beyond the Books
Depending on the weather where you live, winter ushers in the opportunity to get outdoors to enjoy winter sports. If it snows where you live, you might take some inspiration from this week’s books; make a snowperson, some angels in the snow, snow dance, or have a friendly snowball fight. You might also go out for an evening walk or ride around your neighborhood and look at the decorations that your neighbors have put out. When you come back inside, snuggling up with some good books (and maybe a cup of hot chocolate) is a wonderful way to enjoy indoor time together!
Here are some interesting resources about the winter solstice and 50 Mind-Blowing Facts About Snow For Kids (and adults too!).