Here in Alachua County, where our winter holidays tend not to get terribly cold, we hardly ever, ever see snow. Things are quite different way up at the North Pole. It can get very, very cold. There is snow and ice, sledding and ice skating, and reindeer games—yes, those reindeer games.
The reindeer living at the North Pole are winter experts! They know all about winter and all the wonderful things that come with the season—they're quite smart! Between flying practice and reindeer games, they like to read books about their favorite chilly season. So, we asked them... What are their favorite winter books?
Dasher chose Snack, Snooze, Skedaddle: How Animals Get Ready for Winter by Laura Purdie Salas.
"Isn't it wonderful to see how everyone gets ready for winter? I get ready by growing my fluffy and warm winter coat."
There is more than one way for animals to prepare for winter. Some, such as mice, foxes, and moose, simply tolerate the cold. Of course black bears hibernate, but chipmunks, wood frogs, and garter snakes do too. And then there are the creatures that migrate, including hummingbirds, blue whales, and even earthworms! This rhyming nonfiction picture book by Laura Purdie Salas tells you all about how animals survive chilly weather.
Dancer chose A Day for Skating by Sarah Sullivan.
"How lovely! Learning how to skate takes practice and, sometimes, a little help... and hot cocoa."
On a brisk winter's day, the frozen pond is crisscrossed by figure skaters, hockey players, new skaters, and old pros, all gliding across the ice. It's time to bundle up, lace up your skates, and give it a try—then head inside for cocoa and snacks when your cheeks grow rosy and your toes are cold. Back at home, warm bedtime rituals make for the end of a perfect day. But when darkness falls at the pond, who will come out to skate?
Prancer chose Snow Globe Wishes by Erin Dealey.
"Oh! Building pillow forts and playing in the snow with your family? That's the best!"
As the worst snowstorm of the year rolls in, one family hunkers down together in a cozy blanket fort for the night. A little girl makes a wish on a snow globe and, in the morning, the sun rises on a winter wonderland—beckoning all outside. What if, on this snow-filled day, families shake off their busy lives and everyone goes outside to play? A lyrical holiday story about wishes, community and snow—lots and lots of snow.
Vixen chose Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer.
"My friends and I practice pulling a sled through the air when the snow starts to fall... But I don't think that would do for a fine red fox."
Snow is coming, and it's time to get ready! The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soar south, and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. But what should the fox do? Each animal advises the fox that its own plan is best, but the fox thinks otherwise—yet it's not until he meets a golden-eyed friend that he finds the perfect way to celebrate the snowfall.
Comet chose Max and Marla by Alexandra Boiger.
"Max and Marla really know what it takes to be true Winter Olympians! I wonder if they like reindeer games."
Max and Marla are best friends, and aspiring Olympians! With their eyes on the prize, they know exactly what it’ll take to reach sledding success: preparation, practice and perseverance. So when rusty blades, strong winds and difficult slopes get in their way, Max and Marla realize true joy lies not in winning but in friendship. Obstacles turn into victories! With delightful illustrations and charming text, Alexandra Boiger brings to life the story of two unstoppable pals—true Olympians who never give up!
Cupid chose The Winter Bird by Kate Banks.
"Winter can be tough on little animals. I loved seeing all the nightingale's new friends help it through winter."
As the days grow shorter and the air becomes colder, the spring birds fly south for winter—all except for a nightingale with a broken wing. Unable to fly, the nightingale worries about how to prepare for weather it’s never had to experience before. Luckily, the forest animals who are used to frosty conditions help the nightingale navigate the cold as its wing heals. Though the unfamiliar season proves challenging, and even a little scary at times, the nightingale discovers there’s beauty to be found in even the harshest weather. Kate Banks weaves a story of perseverance and kindness, brought beautifully to life by Suzie Mason’s stunning artwork.
Donner chose Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper.
"Snyak, Snyek, Snyuk. That is the sound Santa's boots make in the snow too!"
One winter morning, Lina wakes up to silence. It's the sound of snow—the kind that looks soft and glows bright in the winter sun. But as she walks to her grandmother's house to help make the family recipe for warak enab, she continues to listen. As Lina walks past snowmen and across icy sidewalks, she discovers ten ways to pay attention to what might have otherwise gone unnoticed. With stunning illustrations by Kenard Pak and thoughtful representation of a modern Arab American family from Cathy Camper, Ten Ways to Hear Snow is a layered exploration of mindfulness, empathy, and what we realize when the world gets quiet.
Blitzen chose Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak.
"Isn't it nice to watch the seasons change? Falling leaves, falling snow, it's all so wonder-fall. Haha!"
As leaves fall from their trees, animals huddle against the cold, and frost creeps across windows, everyone knows—winter is on its way!
Join a brother and sister as they explore nature and take a stroll through their twinkling town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the setting sun to curious deer, they say goodbye to autumn and welcome the glorious first snow of winter.
Rudolph chose The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.
"I love a good, winter classic. And look! My nose matches his snowsuit!"
Awarded the Caldecott Medal, The Snowy Day is the story of a young boy named Peter who wakes up to discover the season's first snow. Petter dons his red snowsuit and explores his snow-covered neighborhood.