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Alone in the snowy woods with his dog, a boy discovers the wonder of winter trees, one at a time, in a big, quiet space. On every double-page spread, four lines of simple verse and bright linoleum block prints decorated with watercolor and collage capture the stark outlines and the details of what he sees, hears, and touches (“Crunch! Our footsteps make the only sound”). The botanical facts are part of the wonder (“Trees that once had leaves are bare”). (Booklist)

This celebration of winter solstice blends imagery from the long-ago revelries of northern Europeans with modern-day observations and global traditions. As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles and played music, bringing their own light to the darkness. This is a tale of hope, anticipation, love, and joy.

Join the Cherokee people as they celebrate each season of the year and special occasions, as well as the daily activities for which gratitude is expressed. Bold hues and flat forms distinguish the naïve illustrations. Cherokee words, based on Sequoyah’s syllabary (written symbols for syllables), are sprinkled throughout. Additional information concludes this handsome and unique glimpse of contemporary Native life written by a Cherokee poet.

“Early one December morning, Bear woke …” and saw a “new star, barely visible …” Bear began his search for an evergreen tree that would stand tall and strong. Then people gathered from around the world as the “tree [grew] stronger and taller … because it was time for peace.” Rich, snow-filled illustrations complement the lyrical, semi-abstract narration. Though not obviously a holiday story, it may be perceived as one.

A snowy landscape: “Brrr… Invierno. Winter.” But winter turns to spring, then summer, followed by autumn, and finally a new year. Single words in both English and Spanish combine with gentle illustrations to present children and families throughout the seasons.

As he’s done with each other season (e.g., Awesome Autumn (opens in a new window)), the author introduces recognizable features of summer. Brief information is followed by activities that seem most appropriate during warmer months such as making swirly freezer pops. Crisp photographs and limited text make this a breezy summer read.

The narrator assures and informs the unnamed child depicted that once she dons her swimsuit, the swimming lesson will be fine. Humorous illustrations express the concern and joy of the first splash into the pool with an adult swimmer and other children all around. Children may see themselves or perhaps feel that they know things that the book’s character doesn’t.  

Lottie won’t join the other swimmers in her class. She knows that there’s a shark there to eat only her; that is, until a large, gentle walrus named Walter appears. With Walter’s help, Lottie overcomes her fear and joins her mom and brother for the Saturday pool party. Soft watercolors illustrate Lottie and her imaginary friend, allowing her to overcome her fear of water.

As Jamie builds on the beach she hums; the ocean swishes. Passersby ask her various questions, which she only vaguely answers. Another artist, a painter, sets up nearby but asks no questions. In companionable silence they continue until they show each other and readers their creations. Brief, poetic text combines with lush, evocative paintings that celebrate a beautiful summer day and the creative process.

Summer brings hot weather and cooling activities. From lemonade and watermelon, to outdoor play and thunderstorms, summer is presented in full color photographs and lyrical language. Witness children of different ages experience the warmth and pleasure of summer in all of its glory.

Each month of each season is distinct because of the way the natural world responds. Colorful illustrations encircle each poem to reflect the beauty and activities of animals and the environments in which they live.

Open this book to discover that “science + poetry = surprise!” — one describes why while the other presents wonder. Encounter spring’s wonder and why in this handsomely illustrated introduction to “equation poems.”

Winter brings with snow, clinging to branches, “crouching in doorways,” and settles “softly, so softly.” It is followed by signs of an approaching season … spring! Gentle language and textured, boldly lined illustrations present another season by an award-winning husband/wife team.

Beaver is good at many things, just not at making friends. That changes when Raccoon and Beaver make a snowman (actually, a snow animal!) together. Their collaboration helps them realize that they have lots in common — including friendship. Lighthearted illustrations and text present a snowy adventure that grows a friendship.

A fox emerges from its burrow to find food in a snowy landscape, hunting a mouse and a hare. The fox becomes the hunted when a wolverine emerges from another lair. The small fox makes it back to its den where it can find safety and rest. Dramatic illustrations and lyrical narration effectively tell a realistic story.

As seasons change, days get shorter and colder. Animals adapt, children await snow, and there are holidays to celebrate. Straightforward text and crisp photographs document winter and introduce some of its characteristics in informative yet poetic narration.

When Bear invites Izzy, a small chipmunk, to his home, she knows that it must be very important; Bear never asks for much. Izzy and other animal friends brave a blizzard to get to Bear’s to share a very special occasion. Illustrations from varied perspectives add humor and heart to the tale of warm friendship on a cold night.

Snowflakes begin to fall as almost everyone says goodnight. But the snowplow and its driver are just gearing up for a long night. Morning comes with closed schools but clear streets and only then do the snowplow and driver say good night! Richly hued illustrations and gently rhyming text present a snowy night’s work.

In spite of a storm and with a bit of human help, a struggling but tenacious robin returns home to its mate. There it finds its Christmas bird cake and a watchful, caring young person to celebrate the reunion. Realistic illustrations chronicle the bird’s intense journey, appropriate for any time of the year.

Weather forecasters didn’t expect much from a storm that approached New York City in 1888 so they left for the day. What became a devastating blizzard is presented here in vivid detail with period photographs and riveting narrative. Contemporary readers will recognize many of the changes that were put in place because of this powerful storm.

Duck wants Bear to play in the snow with him, but Bear prefers the indoors. Then Bear gets the sniffles but Duck takes care of Bear; that is, until Bear has had enough. Will Bear return the favor when his neighbor comes down with a cold? Understated humor in text and comic illustrations are hallmarks of the latest Bear and Duck tale.

Basic signs of two seasons (see also Autumn Babies (opens in a new window)) are presented in brightly colored illustrations and staccato rhymes. The small size and sturdy pages are just right to introduce the youngest children to seasonal emblems.

As the season changes, farm animals make their home and find warmth in the barn where a calf is born. Handsome, realistic illustrations in the artist’s signature style depict the animals in a cozy barn with an attentive farmer.

A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home? Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying, wordless story of friendship and trust.