Children's Book Recommendations

A Stickler Christmas

A Stickler Christmas book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

A Stickler Christmas

by Lane Smith (Author)

Brief summary: Stickler jumped onto the back of Judy, a reindeer, and traveled through the forest, delivering sticks to his friends for the holidays. He named each present as he gave it—Hop-Higher Stick, Idea Stick, and so on. During his walk, he came across his friend Doug-the-Fir, who was decorated for Christmas by the mice. Doug, however, did not want to be the center of attention. Stickler found a solution to help his friend.

Comments: I love the humor and imagination in these Stickler books.

The illustrations are mixed media—oils, gesso, and cold wax on canvas. Pencil lines were made with an Apple Pencil in Procreate.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

My Kwanzaa Wish

My Kwanzaa Wish book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

The altar has three red, three green, and one black candle with fruites and vegetables.

My Kwanzaa Wish

by Yolanda T. Marshall (Author), Jamie Ellis Pasquale (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A candle is lit every day of Kwanzaa to observe and celebrate a principle with family and friends to enjoy stories, gift giving, music, and dancing.

Comments: Each Kwanzaa principle is shared with a pronunciation key, symbol, and meaning.

Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 to be celebrated from December 26th -January 1st. Each day a candle is lit to celebrate a principle. More information about Kwanzaa and Swahili greetings and meanings are in the back of the book.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

The Christmas Snow Globe

The Christmas Snow Globe book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Lucy is lying down on the rug looking at the snowglobe she received for Christmas.

The Christmas Snow Globe 

by Sibylle Delacroix (Author), Polly Lawson (Translator)

Brief summary: Noah and Lucy looked out the window on Christmas Eve, hoping for snow. The girl received a snow globe as a gift and took it with her to bed. That night, she and her brother felt cold snowflakes on their faces and got out of bed to discover that the house was filled with snow. They made a snowman, slid down the stairs, and had a snowball fight. But did it really snow inside the house?

Comments: A delightful bedtime story about the anticipation of snow on Christmas Day, something we can all relate to.

The illustrations were created using graphite pencils, colored pencils, and watercolor paper.

This book is a French translation first published in 2021.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Santa’s First Christmas

Santa’s First Christmas book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Santa and the elves are decorating a Christmas Tree inside Santa's house. They are stringing lights and hanging bulbs.

Santa’s First Christmas 

by Mac Barnett (Author), Sydney Smith (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A polar bear asks the elves what Santa does on Christmas Day and learns that he sleeps in. The polar bear and the elves decide to work together to surprise Santa with a Christmas celebration. They decorate a tree, prepare special food, hang up lights, and arrange for someone to pretend to be Santa.

Comments: A heartwarming story about being considerate of others through mindfulness.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas

Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Billy the Kid and the band are a group of dogs. A wreath surrounds their group portrait with a green background including snowflakes and mistletoe berries.

Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas 

by Dolly Parton (Author), Erica S. Perl (Author), MacKenzie Haley (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Billy the Kid and his band were touring and giving concerts all over America. He would send postcards home saying that he would be home for Christmas, until they landed a major gig at Rockefeller Center on December 25th. However, their tour bus broke down. Will they make it to the concert?

Comments: This book was inspired by Dolly Parton’s song “Comin’ Home for Christmas.” The lyrics are included at the back of the book.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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There is another children’s book by Dolly Parton with Billy the Kid titled “Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big.”

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

(Parton, D. (n.d.). Dolly Parton – Comin’ Home For Christmas (Live Performance). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdvT9ZvZfr4)

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Socks

Socks book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

A boy is in the living room on Christmas morning by the Christmas tree and fireplace holding up a pair of socks.

Socks: A Kid’s Christmas Lament 

by JD McPherson (Author), Anika Orrock (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A boy wakes up early on Christmas morning to sneak a peek at the gifts under the tree that are meant for him. To his disappointment, he discovers that they are all socks. He searches the entire house for the gifts he had asked Santa to deliver. Frustrated and outraged, he puts on his boots to head outside and protest. However, when he sees his family, he changes his mind.

Comments: This humorous book was inspired by the song “Socks” by JD McPherson.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

(New West Records. (n.d.). JD McPherson – “Socks” . YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swukov55ZuY)

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

The Light from My Menorah

The Light From my Menorah book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

The Light from My Menorah

by Robin Heald (Author), Andrea Blinick (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A boy’s light from the menorah in the window shines around the globe, traveling through mountains, deserts, and forests, where others are celebrating the miracle of light.

Comments: The back of the book has an author’s note explaining the illustrations of Hanukkah, Diwali, Christmas, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, and Loy Krathong.

The illustrations for this book were created digitally.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho

Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho cover of a Christmas Tree decorated with brightly colored bulbs

Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho

by William Boniface (Author), Julien Chung (Illustrator)

Brief summary: The ABCs are back with a Christmas Tree instead of a coconut one. In rhyme and rhythm, the letters decorate the tree while noticing the “shape” presents underneath.

Comments: Fun to say and chant aloud. Based on “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom”(1989).

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

A Mouse Family Christmas

A Mouse Family Christmas book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Hugo and his family of mice are decorating the large Christmas tree with berries and acorns while standing on ladders. Cover of A Mouse Family Christmas

A Mouse Family Christmas 

by Deborah Underwood (Author), Leah Hong (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Hugo the mouse and his family are getting ready for Christmas Day by decorating their tree in the attic. Curious, Hugo ventures downstairs to see the large tree, only to find it completely bare. William, an elderly man, spots Hugo and lifts him up, thinking aloud whether to put him outside in the storm. However, he ultimately lets the little mouse return to his family. Grateful for his kindness, the mice come together to repay William for his gesture.

On Christmas Day, William shares his dinner with new friends because his family cannot arrive until later due to the storm.

Comments: This a lovely story about giving and sharing during the Christmas season.

The illustrations were created in gouache and colored pencil on watercolor paper.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

We Celebrate the Light

We Celebrate the Light book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Cover for We Celebrate the Light with seven winter holidays withe the sun in the middle and the rays depicting those holidays.

We Celebrate the Light 

by Jane Yolen (Author), Heidi E. Y. Stemple (Author), Jieting Chen (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This nonfiction book describes seven winter holidays: Diwali, Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and Lunar New Year. Each holiday is briefly explained in lyrical stanzas and illustrated with beautiful two-page spreads.

Comments: This would be a superb introduction for teachers to use for a winter holidays unit.

The illustrations were digitally created in Photoshop with a tablet.

It’s important to note that at the beginning of the book, each holiday is named in the upper left corner of the page, followed by some factual information on the bottom right of the next page. However, halfway through the book, the pattern changes. While the text remains relevant to the illustrations, it shifts to a new format that emphasizes the connections between the holidays.

I appreciate the diversity in the illustrations, especially how they highlight family gatherings for celebrations.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story 

Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story  book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Bitter Tears and He Gives Sons are looking down onto their child, Creator Sets Free who is in a manager while in a cave. Christmas Day

Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story 

by Terry M. Wildman (Author), Hannah Noel Buchanan (Illustrator), Holly Buchanan (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Creator’s Mighty One appears to Bitter Tears, a young woman, and tells her that the Great Spirit has chosen her to have a son whom she will name Creator Sets FreeHe Gives Sons and Bitter Tears embark on a long journey through the desert to a cave where she gives birth. Many come to visit this special baby.

Comments: This retelling of the birth of Jesus draws upon the rich tradition of Native oral storytellers. It has been adapted to reflect the perspectives of the First Nations people of North America. For further insights into the translation, please refer to the “Note from the Author” at the back of the book.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver

Saint Nnicholas the Giftgiver book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Saint NIcholas the Giftgiver book's cover has a man with a bird wearing a red robe with white down the middle and on the cuffs held together with a buckled belt. He wears a red cap. Saint Nicholas is carrying a blue sack with yellow stars on it. Those stars are scatter across the cover.

Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: The History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus 

by Ned Bustard (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Nicholas was born in Turkey on March 14, 270, to a wealthy Christian couple who both passed away when he was young. His uncle, an abbot, raised him. As he grew older, Nicholas traveled to the Holy Lands, where he lived in a cave. During this time, King Diocletian made it illegal for anyone to worship Jesus, but later, Constantine the Great granted them freedom to practice their faith. Nicholas eventually became a bishop and helped many people by giving them gifts.

Some celebrate St. Nicholas’ death on December 6, 343, while others celebrate on December 24th, when he is believed to travel around the world in a sleigh full of gifts to give to everyone.

Comments: This biographical rhyming poem also explains why Saint Nicholas gives presents to others.

This book, published in 2021, remains relevant today and could be shared as a yearly tradition in December.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I was sent a free copy of this book.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Revony Rhinoceros Starts to Smile: A Lesson in Body Language

Revony Rhinoceros Starts to Smile book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Revony Rhinoceros is a baby rhino holding up a smiling and frowning signs. There is a lake with hills behind.

Revony Rhinoceros Starts to Smile: A Lesson in Body Language

by Patricia Bardina (Author), Joanne Burgess (Author), Paul Sharp (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Revony Rhinoceros is at Bixby Baboon’s birthday party. The little rhino sits sulking and frowning by a tree, unsure how to play with the other invited guests. After the party, Revony’s mother discusses body language with her child. She explains that understanding friendly and unfriendly body language can help make friends. They then walk around the park, observing the other animals and how their body language reflects their feelings.

Revony Rhinoceros feels confident and uses friendly body language to make new friends at the park.

Comments: This book could be an introduction for school counselors, PreK, or K teachers to read aloud to explain nonverbal communication skills/body language and how that could impact friend-making.

This book was published in 2018, but it remains relevant today.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page

*I was sent a free copy of this book.

There is a song that goes with the book at http://www.duckyfriends.com/revonys-song.html by Ras Sheehama.

(Ducky Friends. (n.d.). Revony’s Song by Ras Sheehama. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAbBR3RUiUY&t=50s)

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

10 Winter Picture Books 2024

“10 Winter Picture Books” recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Picture Books

Book cover of The Most Beautiful Winter with Badger on the cover wearing an orange multi-colored scarf with snow in the background.

1. The Most Beautiful Winter 

by Cristina Sitja Rubio (Author), Vineet Lal (Translator)

Brief summary: Winter is here, but Badger does not feel like sleeping. He goes to Mr. Bear’s place, but Mr. Bear is asleep. Marmot is also sleeping, and Nighthawk is snoozing. Badger goes back home and keeps himself busy with hobbies.

Later, he goes outside to find someone to play with, only to discover that many more creatures are hibernating. Will he find someone to play with?

Comments: The illustrations were created using Ink, gouache, and watercolor. (The Amazon description does say “crayon illustrated,” but the book says otherwise.)

The back sections are A Beautiful Winter for Everyone and How Can I Help Animals in Winter?

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I was sent a complimentary copy of this book.

The book cover of Counting Winter has a fox and an owl in a tundra setting with a full moon in the background. Done with scratchboard and water colors predominately in purple.

2. Counting Winter 

by Nancy White Carlstrom (Author), Claudia McGehee (Illustrator)

Summary: This beautifully illustrated concept picture book highlights winter animals in the Alaskan tundra. Young readers learn to count from 1 to 12 using lyrical verse.


Comments: The illustrations were created using scratchboard and watercolor.

This book could be incorporated into various educational units, such as counting 1-12, the winter season, or the tundra environment.

Additional sections at the back of the book include Animal Profiles, Author’s Note, and Illustrator’s Note.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I was sent a complimentary copy of this book.

Book Cover of Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows has a bear, Hiro, with a backback walking through the snow through a camping ground.

3. Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows 

by Marine Schneider (Author), Vineet Lal (Translator)

Brief summary: The Ursidae family of brown bears are all hibernating except for Hiro. Hiro packs a bag and walks outside, where she experiences snow on her paws for the first time. She wonders what Winter could be and notices unfamiliar paw prints in the snow.

The bear follows them and the scent of toasting marshmallows. All run away when they see the bear. Hiro sits roasting a marshmallow over the fire, crying, having scared everyone away from the bonfire party, when a small boy named Émile comes out behind a tree. Too curious to run away from a talking bear, Émile stays asking, “What’s it like being a bear?”

Will they become friends, or will it all go horribly wrong?

Comments: The illustrations were created with colored pencils, watercolors, acrylic paint, and markers.

This is a sweet bedtime story.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I was sent a complimentary copy of this book.

A family look out their picture window of their home watching the snow fall down Cover to Just Us.

4. Just Us 

by Molly Beth Griffin (Author), Anait Semirdzhyan (Illustrator)

Summary: A young girl’s family usually celebrates the holidays by having extended family come from all over to share a meal and play games. However, the snow made it too dangerous for everyone to visit. Her mom, mama, and brother decided to improvise and prepare a meal together. They even called Grandma for advice on how to make a dessert.

Comments: The digitally created illustrations showed details of all of the relatives. Many young readers may wonder what to do if traditions cannot be kept. This story shares how we can still have a good holiday by making the best of what we have.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A bear with a blanket, red scarf, and basket full of berries and nuts is talking to fox with a hat on drinking  a hot beverage while a little blue bird flies near them with a gray squirrel on top a bush in the forest.

5. Jonny Lambert’s Bear and Bird Winter Wonderland Adventure: A Snowy Search and Find Story

by Jonny Lambert (Author)

Summary: In the forest, Bear and Bird search for berries and nuts to prepare for winter. The next morning, snow fell. As Bear and Bird walk through the forest, they encounter several other woodland creatures. Curious, these creatures follow Bear and Bird to the top of the hill, where they all share something beautiful.

Comments: The “Can You Spot?” panels on the sides of the pages encourage students to stop and observe the illustrations. Additionally, there are question panels that pose questions about the story as it progresses.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Two ducks and a goose are driving a truck

6. Duck, Duck, Goose! 

by John Hare (author and illustrator)

Summary: Two ducks are flying south when they come across a goose flying in the sky too. To their surprise, they see a moose in a flying contraption. They decide to all travel together to head south for the winter, with a few hiccups along the way.

Comments: Young readers will enjoy the humorous adventures of these fowl and moose as they migrate to a warmer environment.

The art was created with hand-drawn pencil and with digital color and accents.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A girl rejoices from the winter snow falling as she looks ups. She has on red earmuffs. There is a read bird flying with a scarf and a cat with a sweater is beside the girl.

7. It’s Winter!

by Renée Kurilla (Author)

Summary: The town is covered in snow. The children come outside dressed in warm clothing to slide down the hill, build snowmen, skate, and have snowball fights. Later, they create garlands and decorations before being released from school for winter break. They enjoy holiday foods and celebrate the winter holidays.

Comments: This is a book that highlights the winter weather, clothing, food, and holidays.

It is illustrated using Adobe Photoshop.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

If you like this book, the author has another seasonal book: “It’s Fall! (Celebrate the Seasons, 1).”

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A girl wearing a read coat and hat is being carried by a snowwoman wearing a cape as they walk through the forest.

8. Wonder & Awe 

by Annie Herzig (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: A girl creates a snowwoman she calls Wonder. She and Wonder play throughout the forest with the snowwoman pointing out the beauty around them which leaves the girl in awe. Each day, they play and say goodbye at the end. One afternoon, they both realize that they do not have much time together as spring is coming soon.

The girl shares with her friends all of the wonderful things in Nature that she and Wonder noticed together during their winter discoveries. Will she ever see her friend again?

Comments: The illustrations were created using watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, graphite, and water-soluble crayon.

It is a beautiful story about a magical friendship who discovers together the beauty of Nature.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Nonfiction

Mr. Green is wearing a hat and Mo are at the top of the book's cover which is a mix of red holly, a squirrel eating seed, a bee nest, and a robin sitting on a snowy fir branch. There are birds in the now underneath.

9. It’s Winter (The Seasons in Mr. Green’s Garden) 

by Ruth Owen (Author)

Summary: Mr. Green and Mo turned a city lot into a garden and share what happens to the garden in winter. They explain the changes to plants, insects, animals, and birds.

Comments: The illustrations are a collage of photos and drawings.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

This season series would be a superb addition to any library. Continue reading for more details and buying options on these books’ Amazon page.

A family is on the beach around a bonfire with fireworks and lights all around them.

10. Winter Solstice Wish 

by Kate Allen Fox (Author), Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator)

Summary: A family spends a day at the beach on the shortest day of the year. As the sun goes down, they share wishes around a bonfire. In opposition, on the other side of the earth, a family celebrates the longest day of the year at the beach.

Comments: This ode shares how the earth is located relative to the sun so that one can have both the shortest and the longest day. Community and family celebrations are emphasized.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Together

Together book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Book cover for Together. A group of anthropomorphic animals are dancing under trees in a forest. A lion is dance with a hippo and so forth

Together 

by Laura Manaresi (Author), Giovanni Manna (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A lamb is determined to see its dream come true, even if it struggles to express it in words. It sets off on a journey and encounters other animals who share the same dream. Together, they unite their efforts to transform the dream into reality.

Comments: Young readers should focus on the watercolor illustrations to uncover the dreams that everyone aspires to create.

This gentle book fosters the spirit of collaboration, and guiding readers in the process of turning their dreams into achievable realities.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*This book magically appeared in my mailbox, giving me a nice surprise on a rainy day.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is the complimentary copies she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.