Our Winter Reading Favorites

A note about Amazon: Since the start of this little blog, I've always used and linked to Amazon as a matter of ease and familiarity - Amazon as a website is one of the tools I use to organize my own book lists, seek out new books, and generally gather information. With that 'information' - I then head to either our library (when my fines aren't too high!), one of our favorite local independent bookstores, Powell's, or yes, sometimes Amazon, too. I want to let you know that I have recently begun participating in the Amazon Associates program, whereby I earn a small percentage of all sales made via links through this site. So, for example, if you follow any of these links below, or the Amazon links in my sidebar, I would earn based on anything you purchase in that shopping trip. I made this decision with the confidence that one - nothing in my content has changed or ever will change; two - my own personal buying habits will continue to remain as they always have; and three - that the earnings will - in a small but helpful way - contribute to my family. If you have questions about any of this, I'll do my best to answer them in the comments. I am not, however, up for debate. I trust that you will make the best decisions for your family, and  ask that you respect the ones I make for mine. Thank you!

And now let's talk about books...

There are a lot of books in this house - thrifted books, vintage books, purchased books, hand-me-down books, library books. They're on shelves, in baskets, under tables and chairs and in drawers. Really. While sometimes that feels absolutely magical and limitless when choosing a book, sometimes I know it can feel overwhelming too. So, for us - a system that's turned out to be really helpful is to pull them into 'themed' baskets - some that stay the same and some that change frequently. (As a side note - the kids love labeling the book baskets, with little tags they make for them, "library books, winter books, etc".)

Around the transition of each season, I pull - from all the various spots - our favorite 'seasonal' books, and these stay in a basket close at hand for the duration of the season. So the books are always around - they're just pulled a little closer to view when they're something we're focusing on, or the appropriate time of year. (The exception to this would be the straight-up traditional "Holiday" books that do get packed away with holiday decorations, because I just cannot bring myself to read The Night Before Christmas in July. I just can't do it.)

I tried very hard to keep it to our Top Ten, but you can see I failed miserably at that. I couldn't imagine leaving any of these out - they're all quite treasured by my family. So without further adieu, I bring you the favorites of our Winter books.

Christmas Treasury - Jan Brett
I can't imagine winter reading without Jan Brett's stories and tales full of scandinavian traditions. The Mitten, The Hat, and Christmas Trolls are our favorites, but I just found this treasury with a few more pulled together as one holiday collection. (As a side note - if you don't know about Jan Brett's website, and you have little ones, you must pay it a visit. It will keep you busy all winter long.)

Snow - Uri Shulevitz
This classic is simple and sweet and beautiful. When the snow starts to fall around here, we find ourselves quoting this one to each other a lot. "'It's snowing' said boy with dog. 'It's nothing' said Man with hat." It's one that contains enough repetitive phrases and such that it's a perfect read for the very-beginning readers among us.

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice - Wendy Pfeffer
A wonderful non-fiction picture book which explains the significance of Solstice, as well as some of the traditions and ways that cultures throughout history have celebrated it. There are activities and experiments as well, making this one a really wonderful homeschool or classroom resource.

The Little Fir Tree - Margaret Wise Brown
I found a vintage copy of this one illustrated by Barbara Cooney that we adore, which includes music for the carols. I haven't seen the illustrations in the new one I've just linked to, but the story is a lovely one of a living pine tree and it's presence in a family's holiday. Brown's rhymes are so sweet and the story is soothing.

The Return of the Light: Twelves Tales from Around The World for Winter Solstice - Carolyn McVickar Edwards
This collection contains traditional tales that tell how different cultures celebrate the magic of solstice. While the faiths and different cultures vary greatly, the connecting themes of 'renewal' and 'change' and 'light' connect us all, and this collection is a wonderful demonstration of that through story.

Ollie's Ski Trip and Peter and Lotta's Christmas - Elsa Beskow
Two wonderful stories by one of our favorite author/illustrators. Calvin claims Ollie's Ski Trip to be his very 'favorite book of all' - (and we have a little bit of Jack Frost  in our dress up rack). It's one of mine too - full of magic and wonder at the winter season. Peter and Lotta's Christmas is equally as beautiful as Beskow's other stories, and includes a few sweet Swedish Christmas traditions in the tale.

Owl Moon - Jane Yolen
Owl Moon is essential winter reading! Jane Yolen so perfectly captures the simplest of activities and the magic and wonder and beauty within it. A walk in the woods to look for owls turns out to be a beautiful tale of all the magic of parent & child, nature & animals. This book has inspired many a nighttime walk around here. They're definitely magical.

The Big Snow - Berta and Elmer Hader
A wonderful tale of the animals of the wood preparing for winter, with a little help from some human friends. The children love to identify the 'signs' of winter that the animals sense. "They just know winter is coming, Mama!"

Nutcracker and Swan Lake - Lizbeth Zwerger
I fell in love with Lizbeth Zwerger's illustrations after recieving The Wizard of Oz from Amy a couple of years ago. Since then, our books illustrated by her continues to grow, and theyr'e always some of our favorites. These two tales are no exception - her illustrations bring these classic tales to life in a new way. In putting this post together, I discovered her illustrated version of The Night Before Christmas. I had no idea this one was out there, but it will most definitely be on the top of our wish list this year.

Winter - Gerda Muller
Gerda Muller's four seasons board books are one of my favorite newborn gifts to give. Without words, the pictures tell the tales of the seasons - in nature, animals, and people. I always think my children will have 'outgrown' this book, but they continue to love it. (It seems to not be available on Amazon, but it is available here at Nova Natural, where you can find a lot of the books I have in this list).

The Story of the Snow Children - Sibylle Von Olfers
Is there anything more magical than the thought of staring out the window at the snowflakes and having them turn into little snow children that carry you away on a magical winter adventure? Oh my. So much delight and goodness. The illustrations in this are simply stunning. (Not available through Amazon, but I did find it here at Three Sisters Toys.)

Nutcracker - E.T.A. Hoffman, Pictures by Maurice Sendak
Yup, two versions of the Nutcracker. Who can resist Maurice Sendak? Not I. The boys and I actually really love finding different illustrated versions of the same book - it's so fascinating to them to see how differently artists can interpret the same words. And well, this Maurice Sendak Nutcracker is a lovely one, and it's with the original text so it's a hefty and wonderful read.

Christmas in Noisy Village - Astrid Lindgren
This tale of Christmas contains all that I hope my children will remember from their own childhood holiday seasons - handmade gifts, baking, singing, celebrations with friends and family, and much joy.

I know there are other wonderful Holiday/Seasonal Book Lists going on out there in BlogLand, so if you've made one on your own blog, be sure to leave a link in the comments so we can see it! Additionally, if you have a favorite that hasn't been mentioned, let us know that too!

Happy cozy winter reading to you and the little ones in your life!

Comments

[Jade]

Good for you on the Amazon! I'll try and remember that so you can get some of the profits.

Love, love, love the Snow book. Just bought it for my daughter for Christmas and I think it's just lovely.

[amanda]

**taking notes** This is a fabulous list, Amanda! These are pretty much all books I am familiar with, but most we do not own. I've found at our library it can be tricky to check out a seasonal book during the season it relates to, especially during the first shoulder of the season. There seems to be a mad dash for them at that time, and I end up at queue position #9, which would be 27 weeks' wait. So I am happy to purchase the seasonal books for this reason and know we have them on hand. The Big Snow is a favorite at our house, which we found at a library book sale for 10 cents last week, hooray.

And I love the theme basket idea. That is wonderful.
You do so many nice things for us :) thanks

[Sarah]

Favorite Christmas treasury ever and very appropos for this list--Tasha Tudor's "Take Joy!" probably out of print but findable on Amazon, Bibliofind, etc. It's a lovely big red book filled with stories and excerpts, poems, carols (with music!). Plus lovely descriptions of the Tudor Christmases in New Hampshire, including their annual marionette show and some very good recipes for gingerbread,fruitcake, fudge and so on--all illustrated by the inimitable Tasha. Our copy is stained and dog-eared and deeply beloved.

[Madeline]

"Christmas in Noisy Village" is one that the tooth fairy brought to Gillen one year but we didn't finish. Thanks to your reminder, I'll read it with them tonight. I too love Jan Brett and Owl Moon and will look for Winter at the library. I am sad that I have already bought four of your books, over the past several months, from the side and you didn't get any profit. I assumed that you were. We got "The Book Book" yesterday and LOVE it!

[Bertha]

While I love all those book recommendations, what I really want to know is where you found those stripy tights for A! I can't find any cool tights for June (10 months), only boring ones!

[Stacey]

Thank you, this is our second winter with the babe and we are starting to define our traditions as each season comes. Now we have a few more names to search out at the library.

[SOULEMAMA]

Sarah - yes! Take Joy is wonderful! I can't believe I forgot that one! ;) The kids seem less excited about flipping through it at this point, but I think they'll love it more when they're older. I love looking at it and need to try some of the recipes this year!

Bertha - those tights - her brothers (!), are by MP. I have a really hard time finding tights we love too - MP makes lovely ones. They're made in Denmark. Link here:
http://www.kidsfashionbrokers.com/tights.html

[heather]

beautiful list - and the time you took to put it together is much appreciated. i too was going to suggest "take joy" as sarah did - an easier to find tasha tudor christmas gem is "tasha tudor's - the night before christmas." i could stare at her illustrations for hours.

as a side note - have you read her "heirloom crafts" book? holy inspiration!

[Eren]

Such a great list! We have been reading Owl Moon too...off to check out rest of the list. Happy Friday Amanda!

[Molly]

Thank you so much, Amanda. Just what I was looking for: a couple of new gems to add to our own basket this year!

- Molly

[Bluebirdbaby]

What a lovely list, thank you!

I met your uncle yesterday. What a sweet man. He is sure proud of you! Bought my first Bernina from him...

[christina]

we also have alot of books. Bought, thrifted, and given. Love them! Happy reading thanks for sharing!
Chistina Gomez

[brandie]

great list amanda! riley would like to add the snowy day.

and you put so much work into this blog, I think doing the amazon associates program is the best thing you could do for your family! Yay for you!

[Beth]

Good for you Amanda - I think I speak for the majority of your readers when I say that your motivations and judgement are above suspicion!

Margaret Wise Brown IS my favorite children's author - "Mr. Dog" is the sweetest and the one pre-chapter book I insisted on taking from home with me when I went on my way. It's still on my bookshelf and I have no kids!

Happy Weekend!

Beth

[Gen]

Wonderful selection of books. I would also recommend Grandmother Winter.

[jen j-m]

this is a super list.
i definitely think this blog is your full time job (aside from your other three full time jobs...), and getting some small compensation for the many hours you put into your job seems, um, more than reasonable. :)
i would also like to add that i love 'the night tree' by eve bunting.
have a great day!

[Heather]

Thanks Amanda for the great list! Now I need to buy a few more for Colin! Would you be interested in posting a "seasona" list of books when each season rolls around?

[Wendy]

Oh, we're heading to the library later today and I'll have to print out this whole post to bring with. Thanks!

Good for you about doing the shop. And, honestly, I don't think you needed to say that your content won't change because of the shop. We see (and value) your integrity and honesty.

I've been thinking about doing the same thing, though I've heard about Zlio, which is the same type of thing, but not Amazon. Not sure how the pricing works out, and also not sure if Zlio is any better than Amazon, or as convenient. Just thought I'd mention it. I promise, I'm not debating, just passing info.

Thanks again!

[Jennifer]

Ah, this has given me so many ideas, and the library and I now have a long "hold" list going...
My own list is much shorter, but for those interested: http://thefairymum.blogspot.com/2007/11/traditions-books-of-season.html
So glad that you took the time to share!
Cheers

[Sarah]

Our box of holiday books comes down from the attic this weekend. I'll put up a list sometime in the next couple of days. "Take Joy" is absolutely my favorite Christmas book as are all of Tasha Tudor's (side-note--as a boy, my Father built a dollhouse like Tasha's and his dolls and Tasha's children's dolls corresponded at christmas and for summer teas). A couple others:

Big Susan by Elizabeth Orton Jones--about a dollhouse family who comes alive on Christmas. This is a short chapter book.

Lucy's Christmas by Donald Hall. Beautiful woodcuts of an old-fashioned NH christmas.

Father Christmas and the Donkey by Elizabeth Clark. A sparkley, magical story of a lonely donkey and Father Christmas

finally: an adult book: The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas by John Matthews--filled with an entire season of songs, foods, and traditions

and one more: "Lucy & Tom's Christmas by Shirley Hughes--I just love Shirley Hughes and this one is very sweet story for younger children.

[Rebekah]

My absolute favorite children's christmas book is Apple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes Noble (think Little House on the Prairie with Jan Brett-esque drawings).

I checked it out at the library so many times that my mom finally bought me a copy. I was first published in 1987, but it was just reprinted this year

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Christmas-Trinka-Hakes-Noble/dp/1585362700/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196438234&sr=8-1

[Nicole]

We are looking to expand our seasonal/holiday books, so your wonderful book list is just what I have been looking for! Thanks!

[Zoe Krylova]

thanks so much for sharing those titles. there are many in there that we love as well.

if you are fond of barbara cooney's illustrations, you make enjoy these (and you may already have them)!

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story

and

holly and ivy

(i tried to create amazon links to those, not sure if i succeeded!)

i can't wait to take my daughter to the jan brett site.

thanks, as always, for all the inspiration evoke.

[Zoe Krylova]

hmmm, the html tags didn't create links. here they are:

holly and ivy

http://www.amazon.com/Story-Holly-Ivy-R-I/dp/0670062197/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196438757&sr=1-1

the year of the perfect christmas tree

http://www.amazon.com/Year-Perfect-Christmas-Tree-Appalachian/dp/0140558772/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196438658&sr=8-1

[Jessica Keith]

I know the post is about books, and it is very helpful. However, I just have to tell you how much I love Adelaides tights! She looks like a picture perfect Christmas elf in that picture!

[Heather]

Hi again, I mentioned this book the other day, but worth mentioning it again. One of the new Christmas books we bought, used, this year is "The Christmas Cat" by Efner Tudor Holmes and Tasha Tudor. Great book! We are big fans of Tasha Tudor, and this is just another great example.

[bigbucketgirl]

Yet another reason our 3 think your 3 are cool!, you keep books in baskets! They have friends and family who think we're lunatics for having themed areas and seasonal baskets! I'm posting our books later.
On the Amazon thing...i'm excited to follow links and usually end up buying something but i'm guessing that you won't get any earnings from amazon.co.uk? I usually have to look at the .com link and then go to the UK site. Ho hum...we could do with a copy of the shortest day!
Ok..off to ballet class with the 6yr old to make sense of my scribbled book list. Will have to post that later and join in! xxx

[Carrie]

Amanda,
I have a pretty hard time with Amazon getting all of the blogger glory out there. It's a shame that local bookstores have to compete with such a mega store. I suspect you probably agree with me there. At the same time, it is easy. I link to Amazon in my own blog for similar reasons as you. That all said, I really appreciate you taking the time and energy to lay it all out there for us and highlighting the importance of the library, thrift stores and our local booksellers.
I'm mighty impressed with your willingness to have discussion about this and just as impressed with you shutting down debate before it happens. You are absolutely right. . . we all do what we think is the best for our families. It's pretty great to see you make a decision and stand by it out here in the big wide web world where all can see. Thank you for being a brave and inspirational blogger and for a pretty wicked winter books list. I already have our on-line library catalog buzzing.

[Myshell]

Although I am sure I'm not the first to do so, I awarded you the Community Blogger Award and linked you in my Award post. You continuously inspire me with your crafts and ideas. You are real, talented and fun loving. So, Thank you for all you do within this Blogoshere. You are, without a doubt, very worthy of such an award.
Cheers to you and yours this Holiday season!
Myshell

[Emily]

I love Owl Moon! and Jan Brett. One of my favorites is "Happy Winter" by Karen Gundersheimer...about two sisters having winter adventures. The illustrations are amazing, though I just checked and I think it's out of print!

[Nowheymama]

Thank you for the list! Like other posters, I would add both of those Tasha Tudor books, as well as Norman Rockwell's Christmas Book.

[Grace]

All of those, except for the Shulevitz "Snow" one, which we'd never heard of. I'm off to see if our library has it!

There's an easier way on Typepad to link items in your sidebar to your Associates account -- if you go under Control Panel>Profile>Author Profile, at the very bottom, under Miscellaneous Information, you can add your Associates ID, then you don't have to manually do it. Then you can go to a regular media typelist format and it's a bit easier!

[Deardeedle]

I LOVE your little girls tights/socks in that first pic! SOOOO ADORABLE!

[Siri]

Thank you, Amanda! I was so curious as to what was in your Winter stash of books when you mentioned it the other day.
Turns out, we have several, just checked out another handful of them from the library the other day, and have a couple of them already in the mail on their way here. There are a few other goodies in there we need to look out for now.
But, hands down, Uri Schulevitz' Snow is my personal favorite of the bunch! It captures, so perfectly, that childhood wonderment about snow, the one that never really goes away, even when you grow up. That boy in the book *IS* my brother in NYC, even today at age 44. He calls me practically everytime it snows, just to say, "It's snowing."

[Siri]

I meant to add, our book system isn't all that dissimilar to yours. It seems to work pretty well. Still, the library books manage to get lost, and I still seem to find Valentine books on the shelf in the middle of summer.

[qalballah]

We use Amazon because uh, like we don't *have* an independent bookseller in this CITY. I know, how terrible is that!

ANYWAY great to have some 'seasonal' books in there rather than 'christmas' - I've been looking for some good winter/seasonal books and our library only seems to have christmas themed stuff. Which for obvious reasons doesn't float our particular boat so thanks for the heads up on the books! Off to buy... from Amazon... sorry LOL

[Ram in the Thicket]

I am celebrating my move from blogspot to typepad with a giveaway. You are invited to stop by my blog to enter. http://www.raminthethicket.typepad.com

[bonnie]

i think this is good--
i love love books and i love your blog-
so no problem.
i will link to amazon through you--that is cool.
bonnie

[sarah white]

this is a wonderful book that my friend and her husband have just published! amazing illustrations and a whimsical story as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Deep-Blue-Sky/dp/1555915973/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196442043&sr=8-1

[sarah white]

oh...i forgot to add, that (like Amanda) i try to support the local bookstores out there as well. i include the amazon link for ease, but this book can also be ordered through any local bookstore!

[Wendy]

We love Night Tree by Eve Bunting. I think your kids would love it too. We'll be working on decorations for our night tree in the coming weeks.

[Helena B]

Amanda, I've said this before (at least I think I have, maybe I've only thought it) nevertheless, girl, you rock. Thank you for your constant dedication to this blog, and its readers, it's like your fourth child and you take care of it and us with such grace and love that I know you shower your own kiddos with each and every day. May your holiday season be full of love, laughter and health, thank you so much for your wonderful, and thoughtful posts!

[mari]

Will you be buying a Kindle?

[LT]

Amanda,

Thanks for the disclosure. I suspected Amazon had a system like that but wasn't sure... This explains its pervasiveness among bloggers who, I assume, try NOT to support businesses like Amazon, which is exactly what I most dislike about Amazon and other megastores: they're good at getting principled people to bend their principles.

I don't want to sound sanctimonious here. (I have a cup of Starbucks coffee on my desk -- rarely happens, but it's the only coffee place on the college campus where I work.) I'm just distressed, and frustrated at how powerful these big businesses can become with all their PR and marketing tricks, and the promises of convenience and savings at any cost.

I realized after reading your note above that it was inappropriate for me to talk about "debate" in that last comment I made concerning the Amazon issue. Your blog is public but it is indeed your home--not a forum for debate. However, just as a faithful patron of a local coffee shop could reasonably ask the shop's owner to consider buying fair-trade coffee, I hope that your readers' varying views about issues you address on your blog -- locally-grown food, local and family businesses, thoughtful consumerism -- will be welcome as long as they are respectfully expressed.

yours,
Kit

[Amanda]

I enjoy your blog so much such beautiful images! One book that I think is worth mentioning is Tree of Cranes by Allen Say. The book is about a young boy in Japan that celebrates his very first Christmas. The young boy learns of his Mother's American childhood. The illustrations are absolutely spectacular. The story has a nice moral as well. If you like Japanese craft books this is one to check out.

[annette]

Thanks, Amanda. Here's a rather obscure one, read by our then-elderly children't librarian in a former town, who had read it to her son for years... Mr Willoughby's Christmas Tree, by Robert Barry. Originally written a long time ago but reprinted in 2000. Lovely story and great illustrations. I'll try a link:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-1269319-6634836?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=mr+willoughby%27s+christmas+tree

[Heidi]

can I just say that I love seeing what you are reading in your sidebar....
peace on you today
Heidi

[kit]

oops, I'm not sure why Typekey reverted to an old sign-in identity instead of "kit"...sorry.

Also, I meant to add to that already-too-long comment that I was delighted to see Jan Brett's _Christmas Treasury_ at the top of your list. That is by far our most beloved of our winter/Christmas books, and everyone in our family adores it. My kids convinced me to read them 3 of the stories last night, which took forever because we all pore over each of the magical illustrations.

Another one of our favorites I wanted to share too: Steven Kellogg's _The Missing Mitten Mystery_.

Thanks for the wonderful list, and again I do appreciate your disclosure of the Amazon arrangement, even though I wish it were Powell's that could offer such a benefit to bloggers.

[Carrie]

Another thought. . .
What if we, a whole lot of us, somehow get together to ask Powell's to offer something to prolific and wonderful bloggers like Amanda like Amazon offers? There's a lot of power out here ladies. A.lot. And a whole lot of book buying going on. Money speaks.
Does anyone know if they have been approached with this?

[pi.grrrl]

No kids myself, but two of my old favorites are Tasha Tudor's A Doll's Christmas and A Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night with Peter Spier's illustrations and the music in the back.