Living in Arizona, we don't have "real" winter weather. My children have only seen snow on a small handful of occasions. In lieu of real experience in snowy weather, we read about it in our short sleeved shirts and sockless feet. I would love to take them out for a snow outing, but for now, we can read and use our imaginations.
The Mitten and The Hat by Jan Brett
The Mitten tells the story of Nicki, who begs his grandmother to knit him a pair of snow white mittens. After quickly losing one in the snow, a group of chilly animals snuggle in to enjoy Baba's good knitting.
* for an extension activity to go along with The Mitten, go here
The Hat is a variation in the story, only this time, the farm animals try on some woolen clothes on a snowy day.
Both have beautiful illustrations, simple storylines and engaging characters.
Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
We couldn't leave out our favorite frog! Frogs are supposed to sleep through winter, but curious Froggy wants to play in the snow. First, he must get dressed for the cold weather. A fun read aloud.
Snow Day by Lynn Plourde
Poetic and simple, this story details a snow day spent at home with family. A great illustration of things that many families do in the snowy parts of the world to enjoy winter together.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
This is beautifully written, poetic and calm. It is the story of a child and her father going out owling, and appreciating the beauties the wintery outdoors. I wouldn't recommend it for younger children, however. It may seem a bit boring and sophisticated. Better for elementary ages.
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
Imaginative, rhyming story about what our snowmen do at night when the rest of the world is sleeping.
White Snow Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt
This book is a classic. It is another poetry-like story, detailing a town as it is blanketed in a cover of snow. I love the vintage illustrations and simple story.
Snow Friends by M.Christina Butler and Tina Macnaughton
Little Bear wakes up one wintery day. He wants to have fun in the snow, but wouldn't it be better if he could share his adventures with a friend or two?
The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg
What happened to Annie's missing mitten? A fun retracing of a snow day to find the mitten with some imaginative ideas mixed in. Maybe we could plant a mitten tree? You'll enjoy the clever ending.
The Biggest, Best Snowman by Margery Cuyler
It's not easy to be little when everyone around you is big. Little Nell is fed up with not being allowed to do anything her big family can. She heads out to the woods with her animal friends to build the biggest, best snowman. See what her big family thinks of Little Nell's accomplishment.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Another childhood favorite of mine. This simple story and the whimsical illustrations bring you along with Peter as he adventures out in the snow near his apartment.
* for an extension activity to go with The Snowy Day, go here
Curl up in a warm blanket, sip some cocoa and enjoy a wintery book or two!
*all images found on barnesandnoble.com*
Link to me, link to me :) You have a wonderful selection of winter stories. We read some of them and enjoyed them. In fact An Owl Moon was one of our favorites. I'll come back to revisit your list if we go to the snow this year. We still can't decide on that.
ReplyDeleteI have Owl Moon, and have always loved it. I love Jan Bretts illustrations and how one picture shows what animal is next to find the mitten. We also have Snowmen at night and I think it is such a cute book. You have some I need to see. I have noone to read them to now, so will have to wait. We like froggy too.
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