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One of the best things about parenting is getting to see the world through a child’s eyes, and no season stands to benefit more from childish wonder than winter. Where parents see commuting in the rain and shoveling sidewalks, children see puddles for splashing and a chance to build snowmen. And those early sunsets just mean more time for snuggling up with a warm drink and reading Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day” together. But winter is long — you’re going to need more than one fantastic book. Here are some of the best books for celebrating winter as a season of wonder.
“Christmas Time The Snow Queen” by Miles Kelly
While not a new release, this is the edition that will be featured at the National Nordic Museum’s story time on Dec. 5. The reading ties in nicely with the new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” on stage now through Jan. 5 at Seattle Children’s Theatre. $6.97, ages 3–6.
“It Bears Repeating” by Tanya Tagaq
Written by renowned throat singer Tanya Tagaq, this is a counting book that introduces young readers to Inuit culture. It showcases the Inuktitut language together with the beauty of the Arctic as it’s enjoyed by the polar bears who fill its pages. $17.99, ages 3–7.
“Oh! So This Is Snow!” by Candice Jeremie
This book tells a story of discovery when two sisters move from their tropical island home to a new country and experience their first snowfall. $15, ages 4–8.
“Alice in a Winter Wonderland” by Jan Brett
A new one by Jan Brett transports the English classic “Alice in Wonderland” to the Alaskan tundra, where Lewis Carroll’s characters are reimagined as native species. $19.99, ages 4–8.
“In the Winter” by Lauren Kukla
Celebrate the gentle beauty of winter, and explore a variety of cold winter landscapes and seasonal activities that emphasize the warmth of human connection. $19.99, ages 4–8.
“David Atherton’s Christmas Cookbook for Kids”
Written by the 2019 winner of ”The Great British Baking Show,” this book emphasizes that cooking is a type of giving and offers gift-worthy treats and seasonal recipes, such as a Christmas sweater–shaped pizza and a mini gingerbread village. $18.99, ages 5–9.
“Raven Gets Tricked” by Andrea Fritz
The traditional storytelling techniques and art in this book share the culture and language of the Coast Salish peoples. In this book, the little deer is tired of the raven’s tricks and plans a trick of his own that will keep both animals fed through the winter. $21.95, ages 6–8.
“Gnome and Rat: First Snow!” by Lauren Stohler
A continuation of the early-reader graphic novel series, this one follows the adventures of sausage-loving Gnome and pragmatic Rat as a snowstorm threatens to make the pair late to the Nest Fest celebration — by distracting them with snow play. $10.99, ages 6–9.
“Winter Things: How to Draw Books for Kids, with Christmas Trees, Elves, Wreaths, Gifts, and Santa Claus” by Alli Koch
This simple how-to workbook for kids who are just learning to draw is perfect for winter. Large, perforated pages and easy instructions make each drawing project achievable and fun. $14.95, ages 7–12.
“Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival” by Trina Rathgeber
It's the story of a 13-year-old Indigenous girl in 1944 who survived a blizzard alone in the wilderness using what her culture taught her about living off the land. $19.95, ages 9–12.
“No Rules Tonight,” by Kim Hyun Sook
This popular graphic novel is now out in paperback. In 1980s South Korea, Christmas Eve means a break from police and parental supervision. From restarting a banned book club to confessing a crush, students at the Anjeon University winter camp have big plans for their one night of freedom. $17.99, ages 12–17.
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