A Massive Stack of Winter-Themed Picture Books
Well, here we are in the final push before the holiday season. I thought I’d start this newsletter with a friendly reminder to let go of some of the pressure we inevitably put on ourselves each December. You don’t have to pull together a seasonal bookshelf to post on IG to be a good mom to your kids. Sometimes being a good mom looks like borrowing a massive stack of winter-themed picture books from the library and only getting around to reading half of them out loud before they’re due back. Giving myself… and you… permission to be a regular person with a normal life. Not everything has to be aesthetic. Your real life is more exciting, I promise!
Most of these are backlist titles from the library but I’ve linked to Bookshop.org when available below. Every purchase through Bookshop.org supports independent booksellers and puts a few pennies in my pocket at no extra cost to you.
The Lump of Coal: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids by Lemony Snicket
This is a story about a lump of coal who can think, talk, and move itself around. Is there a more charming holiday tale to behold? Probably, but Lemony Snicket has not written one.
Koala Challa by Laura Gehl
Lila the koala just wants to help her family get ready for Shabbat, but she always ends up making a mess instead. So she spends a whole week practicing making challah, and comes up with the perfect recipe just in time for Shabbat.
Zelda and Ivy: One Christmas by Laura McGee Kvasnosky
Christmas is coming, and Zelda and Ivy have high hopes. Zelda is longing for a fancy evening gown, and Ivy has her heart set on a Princess Mimi doll with all the ballet accessories. But when the fox sisters realize their elderly neighbor, Mrs. Brownlie, is spending Christmas alone, they have more than just their own holiday wishes to think about.
First Snow by Peter McCarty
It's a day of firsts for Pedro . . . First snowfall. First snow angel. First taste of a snowflake. First sled run. First snowball fight! All the joy, magic, and wonder of a child's first experiences are captured in this breathtaking picture book.
The Snow Queen by Geraldine McCaughrean
Gerda embarks on an epic journey to the mysterious, snowy lands of the frozen North. Meeting fairy-tale princesses, talking crows and wise old women with enchanted gardens, all on her quest to rescue best friend Kai from the Snow Queen's icy palace. Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale is retold with stunningly intricate silhouette illustrations.
The Very First Christmas by Paul L. Maier
No more fairy tales for Christopher; he wants real bedtime stories. So his mother tells him the amazing and miraculous story of Jesus' birth. Along the way, Christopher learns the answers to some challenging questions about the Christmas story from the Bible.
The Yeti and the Jolly Lama: A Tale of Friendship by Surya Das
When the legendary yeti terrorizes a small Tibetan village, the local lama--a cave-dwelling, meditating hermit--shows us how generosity, patience, and a sense of belonging can turn an Abominable Snowman into an adorable one.
Waltz of the Snowflakes by Elly MacKay
Gran gives her granddaughter something special in this wordless book: tickets to the ballet. The weather is terrible and her grandaughter doesn’t want to wear fancy, uncomfortable clothes. But as the curtains rise on The Nutcracker, the girl's eyes light up as she's introduced to the magic of the theater.
The Nutcracker in Harlem by T. E. McMorrow
In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the jazz-infused Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy.
Charlotte and the Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History by Charlotte Nebres
A reimagined and modern take on the holiday favorite, this picture book weaves together the classic Christmas tale of The Nutcracker and the true-life story of 12-year-old ballerina Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production.
One Snowy Day: A Winter Weather Book For Kids by Diana Murray
This snowy picture book introduces counting strategies for young children. It’s filled with a diverse cast of children who participate in various winter activities like sledding, making snow angels, and building snowmen.
Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco
It's not easy being Welcome Comfort-a foster child always moving from home to home and getting picked on by the kids at school. Even Christmas, the most wondrous time of the year, isn't so wondrous for Welcome, since he has no family, no presents, and no Santa Claus. But when Welcome meets Mr. Hamp, the school custodian, he finally finds a friend. And when Christmas comes around, Welcome is taken on an extraordinary adventure that changes his life forever.
The Real Santa by Nancy Redd
It's not Christmas without Santa! But what does Santa truly look like? Does he match the figurines on the mantel, or the faces on our favorite holiday sweaters? Does he look like you or like me? The Real Santa is a joyous and cozy celebration of family, representation, and holiday spirit!
From the Holiday Archives
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and book-filled season!
Elsewhere on the Internet: Goodreads / Storygraph / Pinterest
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Other than The Nutcracker of Harlem these are all new to me!! Great list!