five books to read,
four chirping birds,
three story maps,
two Play-Doh tools,
and a story under the tree!
The weather is getting colder, making it the perfect time to find a good book and spend cozy days curled up reading. But with so many wonderful books to read, where do you start? We stopped by Book Culture’s new location on the Upper West Side to find the perfect wintertime reads to recommend.
Pictured above from left to right: Blizzard by John Rocco, The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, Winter Bees by Joyce Sidman and Rick Allen, Snow by Uri Shulevitz, and A Perfect Day by Carin Berger
1. Blizzard by John Rocco tells the true story of the Blizzard of 1978 and how it affected life in Rocco’s small Rhode Island town. The tale begins with John elated to find himself immersed in a winter wonderland – until that winter wonderland spirals out of control. Soon, the town is buried and the neighborhood in a panic, and John must step up and become the hero he has always dreamt of being. Despite its chilly subject matter, this is a heartwarming tale that is perfect for snowy nights of your own.
2. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs is just the kind of book we love – one that makes our little ones uncover the story being told! This book is told in a series of 175 frames, all of which add up to one lovely story about a very special friendship between a snowman and a boy. One snowy winter morning, a little boy builds a snowman and introduces him to his world. But soon enough, the snowman shows the boy the wonders of his own little universe, and the two embark on a wonderful adventure. These vivid illustrations will leave your children wanting the story to go on forever.
3. Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman and Rick Allen is a collection of poems that reminds readers of the beauty of nature. Each poem details the lives of animals as they work to survive in the winter. Simple and lovely, these poems will make readers (and little ones) remember the might of nature, even in the coldest, most blustery months.
4. Snow by Uri Shulevitz is the type of story that will transport you to another day – or even era – and remind you of the wonder of youth. A boy wakes up to snow, only to be told that it is just a snowflake – as if that snowflake will not become something more. But the boy believes in the prospect of something greater, and watches as his city and the people around him are transformed by the beauty and simplicity of the snow. This story is a must-read for children and adults alike.
5. A Perfect Day by Carin Berger is almost completely self-explanatory. With elaborate collages and beautiful, poetic language, Berger describes the perfect day from start to finish. Readers will get lost in the world she has created, and find themselves longing for the chance to experience the perfect winter’s day for themselves.
We hope you enjoy our recommendations!
Happy Reading!