The air is getting colder, leaves are falling and starting to decompose, and frost covers the ground in the morning --all signs of the coming winter. Not only is the winter a time where we humans like to snuggle in deep in front of a cozy fire, animals also find ways to stay warm and cozy to outlast this cold season --one of which is hibernation. Hibernation is a period when animals slow their heart rate to save energy, some animals just slow down and move less frequently during hibernation, but others go into a deep sleep and don't wake up till spring. So, here are some books featuring hibernating animals that you can enjoy during your own winter hibernation.
By Cristina Sitja Rubio
Translated by Vineet Lal
Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2024. Picture Book.
Badger has big winter plans for his friends: Mr. Bear, Marmot, Nighthawk, and the snails, hedgehogs, bats, and tortoises --but he soon discovers that they are all asleep! No sledding or snowball fights to be had! Until a sleepy bat suggests he try the birds, and Badger soon makes new friends and learns new games ---raising a toast to the most beautiful winter.
By Vern Kousky
New York: Random House Studio, 2024. Picture Book.
Harold does NOT want to go to sleep for the winter! He wants to stay up and keep playing with his friends, the crows, worried that they will forget him if he hibernates. But, inevitably the days get colder and Harold needs to find a way to stay awake. With the help of the crows, Harold tries everything, from pajamas to a full belly --but when winter comes in earnest, ultimately the crows snuggle him in for a nice cozy rest.
Written by Michael Rosen
Illustrated by Daniel Egnéus
New York: Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2023. Picture Book.
Little Bear is worried about the upcoming Big Sleep --will there be enough dreams to fill all that time? Determined not to have a Big Nothing for the Big Dreaming, Little Bear heads out in search of more dreams. Through encounters with other forest creatures, Little Bear collects dreams of hope, joy, and homecoming.
Written by Alice B. McGinty
Illustrated by Richard Jones
New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2020. Picture Book.
Small Bear desperately wants a story before her and her mother settle down for their hibernation, but there is lots to do to prepare! Small Bear's mother tells her cub that if the youngster gets her tasks done quickly enough, there will be time for them to share a story together --no dilly dallying! Will Small Bear get her wish?
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