After a break for the holidays and some self-care, I’m itching to introduce piles of fabulous picture books! Thanks for joining me in the new year, and Happy 2019!
Today I’m sharing three wonderful books for discussing seasons. Two highlight uniquely winter activities, and one is a delightful introduction to the science behind seasons. Check my other Seasons! post for other wonderful books about winter and seasons.
Fox on the Ice | Maageesees Maskwameek Kaapit by Tomson Highway, illustrated by Brian Deines
Fox On the Ice: Maageesees Maskwameek Kaapit
This beautifully illustrated book is notable for its portrayal of a contemporary First Nations family as written by a First Nations author in both English and Cree.
Joe and Cody are on a family outing—riding in their sled pulled by a team of huskies, eating an outdoor picnic of freshly caught and broiled whitefish, playing with the family dog, and setting up Papa’s fishing net and jigger under the ice. But everything is thrown into chaos when the husky team starts chasing a fox on the ice while still harnessed to the sled carrying Mama and Joe. Papa can’t catch both the jigger-pulled net and the dog sled, but Mama can’t stop the sled by herself. Gratefully, the family dog, Ootsie, is both strong and clever.
A heart-warming story with a thrilling story arc and unexpected resolution makes this an engaging and fun read while gorgeous illustrations capture the nuanced light, color and texture of ice and snow. The modern representation of First Nations people and dual English/Cree text make this an excellent book for enhancing cultural diversity awareness beyond a historical discussion of indigenous peoples. And for kids (like mine) who have never experienced a winter with temperatures below freezing, it’s a fun way to introduce the massive transformation winter can bring upon the landscape.
Papa tied one end of the net to a hook on a long piece of wood called a jigger. Then he put the jigger in the water and gave it a gentle push toward the second hole. The jigger had a little motor inside it, which propelled it along. Papa carefully pulled lengths of net out of the box and let them fall through the hole to follow the jigger.
When all the net had entered the lake, Papa and Cody set off for the second hole to catch the jigger when it arrived there. Ootsie leaped and barked beside them.
Then Joe pointed at Ootse. The dog was dancing with joy, but not a sound came out of him. His teeth were clamped on the net. He had saved it! Joe and Cody ran to Ootsie, laughing and laughing.
A Stroll Through he Seasons by Kay Barnham, illustrated by Maddie Frost
A Stroll Through the Seasons
Follow two adorable kids as they explore their environment during each of the four seasons. Starting with a basic lesson about how seasons are created, the text introduces scientific concepts (touching on weather and its impact on flora and fauna) as it moves through each season. Brightly colored, energetic, and playful art makes every page a visual delight. Well-written with engaging text, it presents scientific concepts clearly and concisely. Sections on Things to Do and Notes tor Parents and Teachers provide thoughtful and fun ideas for integrating the book in more extended, hand-on lessons. And a list of Seasons Books to Share is a welcomed guide to other titles to consider while lesson planning. Overall, this is a fantastic book for any classroom!
Did you know that our planet it tilted? This means that sometimes we are closer to the sun; sometimes we are farther away; and sometimes we are somewhere in between. This is why we have spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Are you ready to take a stroll through the seasons?
Spring brings new live. Baby birds hatch. At the farm, lambs bounce around. Watch out for piglets, calves, and ducklings, too. Frog eggs float in ponds and streams. These tiny creatures will soon grow into tadpoles and then frogs.
In autumn, the earth shifts and we move away from he sun. This means that the days grow shorter and the weather gets cooler again. Sometimes it is sunny and warm. But watch out for rain, fog, frost, and wind, too.
In winter, there is less sunlight, which plants need in order to grow. Most plants take a break, like this oak tree. But some plants keep growing. Snowdrops are tiny, white flowers. They bloom even when there is snow on the ground!
First Snow by Nancy Viau, illustrated by Talitha Shipman
First Snow
A brother and sister head outside to enjoy a newly made, snow-laden world. We follow along as they play a host of snowy games with friends. Fun, bouncing rhymes pair beautifully with colorful illustrations of children radiating happiness as they revel in the snowfall. Depictions of kids playing outside together from morning till night make it an excellent read for encouraging active and cooperative play. And absolutely fantastic author-created resources help transform this delightful book into an entire lesson plan via a discussion guide, crafts, hot chocolate recipe, activity guide, and activity worksheets. She even includes the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards that are applicable to the activities! Check out this wonderful resource here!
Clunky boots and funky hats. Hurry! Scurry! Don’t look back!
Cozy igloo. Wintry bed. Time’s a-waiting. Get the sled!
Friendly ending. Wave of hands. Snow fun done in wonderland.
Read. Learn. Repeat. 