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Five Faves: Staying Warm in Winter

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It is the time of year when many grown-ups are reminding kids to get bundled up and stay warm before they head to school or out to play with friends. I have many fond memories of my mother reminding me to take a coat and gloves with me in the winter. I have a very distinct memory of a snowy day when I wanted to wear a dress and cute sandals instead of snow boots. I can still remember my teacher when we headed out to recess reminding me that if I didn’t put my snow boots on, my feet would be very cold when I came inside. I was not very happy to put on my bulky boots! If you want to read some books about staying warm this winter, here are five of my favorites. 

Written by Dawn Casey
Illustrated by Stila Lim  
Edinburgh: Floris Books, 2020. Picture Book.

This sweet picture book tells the story of a sweet lamb and the family that cares for her. As the lamb grows, the family trims the wool, washes it, brushes it, then spins it into yarn and even dyes the yarn. After the wool is processed, the mom in the family knits a beautiful yellow scarf for her young daughter. This is a beautiful story about the process of creating, and how people can benefit from animals. The end of the book talks more about the cycle of creating wool for products for human consumption.

 
Hair! Animal Fur, Wool, and More
Written by Marilyn Singer
Illustrated by Julie Colombet  
Minneapolis: Millbrook Press, 2019. Informational. 40 pages.

I enjoyed this informational book with photos, facts, and some fun illustrations that incorporate word bubbles for relaying information. There is a glossary with definitions as well as additional reading options at the back of the book. This is the more scientific of the books I am sharing today, but I really think it would appeal to a child who wants to learn more about why hair and fur is helpful for animals and humans.  

Written by M. Christina Butler
Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton
Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2006. Picture Book.
 
There is a winter storm brewing! Little Hedgehog’s nest gets tossed into the air with all the wind whipping about. Hedgehog becomes nervous about the weather, so he grabs his scarf and hat and mittens to go find a friend to stay with. Along the way, he runs into other animals who are cold and ends up sharing his clothing with them. This story is about more than the warmth from clothes, but also the warmth of friendship. The winter gear has delightful textures in the book, and the vibrant, bright red is very pleasing to look for on the pages.
 
By Lita Judge
New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2023. Picture Book.
 
This book made me laugh! Poor Wuddles is a sheep with plenty of wool and Duckling has a plan to use that wool to keep the other animals warm. What Duckling doesn’t consider is how this will affect Wuddles. By the end of the book, Wuddles is a sheep with no coat. Fortunately, he has friends who want to keep him warm with a big group hug. I enjoy a book that makes me laugh, while also giving me moments to stop and think. This book provided both of those.
 
By Susan B. Katz
North Mankato, MN: Pebble, a Capstone imprint, 2023. Informational. 24 pages.

This informational book starts out with talking about why we use coats and what their function is. Then it presents the readers with a question, “Do you think you could make a coat out of wood?” The book goes into more detail about the features of wood, and why some qualities would make a good coat and others wouldn’t. I love that the author leaves the final decision up to the reader, making them think deeply and justify their decision.



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