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First Snow

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Submitted by Ms. Brenda!

In First Snow by Peter McCarty, we meet a cautious little dog named Pedro. His cousins are so excited that during Pedro’s first visit it has snowed all night long! Pedro isn’t very excited. In fact, he’s never seen snow and “It looks cold. It tastes cold. It is cold.” are his only responses when he’s asked to get dressed to play in the snow, to taste a falling snowflake, or to make a snow angel. When it comes time to go for a sled ride, Pedro is reluctant, but after a rip-roaring ride down the hill, he finds that he loves snow! Pedro, his cousins, and all of the neighborhood kids spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying a snowball fight… and Pedro did not feel cold at all! This story is full of firsts and giving the unknown a try. It’s great for those who need gentle urges to try new things. The illustrations are delightfully soft and engaging. See this book listed in our catalog

Small Medium & Large

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Submitted by Ms. Tammy!

Small Medium & Large by Jane Monroe Donovan. A little girl who has just moved into a new house writes a letter to Santa. She doesn’t ask Santa for new toys, but something more special. On Christmas morning she goes downstairs to find 3 boxes, each one a different size: one small, one medium, and one large. She opens the small box to find a cat, the medium a dog, and the large box contains a miniature horse! They head outside for a day of fun in the snow: sledding, making snow men and snow angels, and a snowball fight! After having fun they head indoors to bake fish and horseshoe shaped cookies, sit by the warm fire, and then snuggle into bed after writing a thank you letter to Santa. This almost wordless picture book is perfect for sharing with children one on one, or in a small group. See this book listed in our catalog

Winter Is Coming

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Submitted by Ms. Sue!

Winter Is Coming by Tony Johnson, illustrated by Jim LaMarche. A girl with her sketch book walks through the woods throughout the seasons of fall to winter. She quietly observes many of the forest animals as they begin to prepare for winter. In September, fall is on its way, but winter is coming and you can feel it. She is quiet, quiet as a red fox comes near. He sniffs a red apple. Wrinkled or not it is food. From her perch on an old wooden plank placed high in a tree, the girl can see many of the animals as they forage for food. Skunks waddle by. They smell not really bad but real. It is October and she sees woodpeckers hammering their holes and plugging them with acorns. Animals do not waste. November is here and chipmunks are chattering and busy eating seeds from pinecones. Deer come near nibbling, looking for food. Winter is coming. Canadian geese honk overhead and a flock of turkeys jostle by. She is quiet, quiet and then the snow is dusting her. It is late November and winter is here. See this book listed in our catalog

Big Snow

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Submitted by Ms. Sue!

In Big Snow, by Jonathan Bean, David asks his mom, “When will it snow?” “I think soon,” says Mom. She suggests that David help make cookies with her, but the flour and sugar remind David of snow, so he runs outside to see if it’s snowing yet. Meanwhile Mom cleans up the mess David made with the cookie ingredients. David sees small white flakes falling softly! More excited, David rushes inside to ask his Mom how much snow will they get? Mom suggests another chore that he can help with while he’s waiting for the snow. David starts helping with chores, but each time something reminds him of snow and he rushes out again to check on its progress. Finally David falls asleep and dreams of snow, to be awakened by his dad coming home early from work because of a “big snow!” 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