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Seasons

Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox

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Submitted by Ms. Sara!

Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox by Susan Blackaby. Are you tired of waiting for spring? So is Brownie Groundhog. But on February 2, Brownie sees her shadow, meaning there will be six more weeks of winter. As Brownie steps outside of her den, she is spotted by a scrawny fox who tries to eat her for breakfast. But hold on, Fox! Brownie declares that it is past breakfast time, so the fox will just have to wait for lunch to eat her. The fox hates waiting just as much as Brownie. The two set off for the pond, where Brownie manages to avoid becoming lunch by tricking the fox into ice skating with her to the point of exhaustion. She ties him to a tree with her scarf and begins to head home, but the fox’s cries draw her back. They’ve had such fun at the pond, so she offers him some of her snack, as long as he promises to keep his teeth to himself. As they snack, a robin stops to eat their crumbs—the first sign of spring! Brownie and the fox plan to spend the next day together, waiting for spring and skating. The book is perfectly illustrated by Carmen Segovia. The bright colors of the fox and Brownie’s scarf pop against the white and grey winter landscape. This is a great book to read while waiting for spring! See this book listed in our catalog

Over and Under the Snow

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Submitted by Ms. Amanda!

Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner is a cute story of a boy and his father skiing through the woods to find animals that live both over and under the snow in the winter. They find a whole secret kingdom that keeps small forest animals safe and warm, from the tiny shrew, to the deer mice and bull frogs. Each animal is shown in beautiful illustrations hibernating below the snow and skis of the boy. Over the snow they find the tracks of a deer, the gaze of an owl, and the flash of a snowshoe hare as they swoosh along in their winter wonderland. The animals included range from common to more rare. I love the lessons it teaches about how even tiny bees hibernate, as well as animals as big as bears. This book is fun to read and name each animal you see (and learn some new names as you go). Great illustrations and an upbeat tempo make it a great read aloud for a group as well. See this book listed in our catalog

Seasons

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Submitted by Ms. Melissa!

In the book Seasons, by Anne Crausaz, readers will indulge their senses as they imagine the smells, tastes, sounds, and sights of spring, summer, fall and winter. The vivid illustrations take the reader on a visual ride through the seasons, exploring the colors of spring time, summer nights, foggy fall days, and crisp winters. Children will begin observing these elements in their outdoor play, discovering the changes that occur in a year. It will also give them ideas on how to interact with nature, like jumping in a pile of leaves, or smelling verbena and tomatoes growing in a garden. Regardless the age of the reader, this book will stimulate the senses and transport you to the seasons. See this book listed in our catalog

Tap the Magic Tree

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Submitted by Ms. Carol!

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson is a story about seasons, trees and magic. The story starts with a bare brown tree. Then the author instructs the reader to tap the page to see what happens. As you tap and turn the page, leaves appear on the tree, until the tree is full of bright green leaves. The reader is then instructed to rub the tree and turn the page, and then pretty pink buds appear! As you touch each bud and shake the tree, turn the page and the buds fall off. The book continues with instructions to shake the tree, pat the leaves, blow a breeze, clap your hands, and count to ten. As the reader follows the instructions he or she sees the tree change with the seasons. This is a cute story that is very interactive and fun, and teaches children about the seasons. See this book listed in our catalog

Winter Is For Snow

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Submitted by Ms. Amy!

Winter Is For Snow by Robert Neubecker. Beginning in a New York City apartment, a big brother and his little sister argue about whether it is more fun to play outdoors in the winter snow, or stay inside where it’s warm, watching TV or playing video games. Big brother continues to try to prove to his reluctant little sister that being outdoors in winter is fun, by helping her get bundled up and taking her on a tour of all the great things to do outside in winter time. The pictures are engaging and funny, with a style that reminds me of a glossier version of some of my childhood favorite Sunday morning comic strips. Cozy up with your little one and read about all the fun things you can do in the winter. You may find yourselves inspired to go out and have some winter fun of your own! See this book listed in our catalog

Snow Angels, Snow Puppy, and My Little Polar Bear

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Submitted by Ms. Allana!
Three cute books for the winter/holiday season:

Snow Angels by Angel Randall, illustrated by Brandon Dorman. This story begins with one friend helping another. With the assistance of little helpers that only these two young girls can see, the two set out to help others in their neighborhood! At each location they are joined by a band of angels who help and encourage the girls to carry out all their good will. It feels so good to help other people at this festive time of year, so much so that they decide to continue their good work all year long! With a play on the words “snow angel” the author has taken the meaning to a higher level, and in this delightful picture book, shows how two friends can become like real angels, not only in winter, but during every season. See this book listed in our catalog

Snow Puppy by Marcus Pfister. Rascal is normally a contented happy pup, but today he is feeling a little out of sorts. His friend Sophie is off to town shopping with her parents, and Rascal is left behind. When he notices the white fluffy stuff floating around outside the window, his loneliness becomes excitement and intrigue. He remembers seeing white fluffy stuff once before, when he playfully tore open a pillow, but this stuff is somehow different. Once outside, he realizes how different, and how much fun it is to play in. When Rascal becomes lost after chasing a bunny through the woods, his joy and excitement turn to fear. A kind stranger is nearby however, and we soon discover how he saves the day! This is a sweet story about an adorable puppy who will steal the hearts of readers of every age. See this book listed in our catalog

My Little Polar Bear by Claudia Rueda. “Don’t worry little one, I will stay with you, and I will teach you what polar bears need to know.” A young cub is learning how to be a polar bear from his mother.  He has no confidence at first, and doesn’t believe he can swim well enough, or smell seals from a distance, or even walk on snow and melting ice. With the guidance, reassurance, and love of his mother, he begins to realize that he will be able to grow up and be an independent polar bear. The frosty white and pale blue illustrations in this book are created by digital media, and really represent and recreate an arctic world. Young readers and listeners will enjoy following the polar bear’s progress in this charming story. See this book listed in our catalog