The temperature is slowly beginning to drop, leaves are changing and falling off the trees, and the gradual appearance of twinkling lights and other festive decorations hint at the arrival of winter and the holiday season. Some of us may wish to curl up underneath our fuzziest blanket until spring has arrived, but others can’t wait to see the first snowflake of the season and find the perfect hill for sledding. If you have a little winter and holiday enthusiast at home who has been waiting for that first cup of hot cocoa since September, this list of wintry books is guaranteed to keep their holiday spirit alive all year long.

Bird Count

Bird Count
Written by Susan Edwards Richmond
Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

Young Ava is preparing to participate as a “citizen scientist” in the Christmas Bird Count, and this year she gets to record the tally. Using her most important tools—her eyes and ears—and the birding ID techniques she’s learned, Ava eagerly identifies and counts the birds they observe on their assigned route around the town. At the end of the day, all the teams combine their totals and share stories about their observations.

This informative story by author Susan Edwards Richmond, coupled with Stephanie Fizer Coleman’s charming depictions of birds in their winter habitats, is the perfect book to introduce young readers to birdwatching. The text offers simple explanations of the identification methods used by birdwatchers and clear descriptions of bird habitats, and a section in the back provides more information about the birds featured in the book and the Christmas Bird Count.

Buy Bird Count through your local bookstoreBarnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Snow Day

Snow Day!
Written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

When the television weatherman predicts a big snowfall, the narrator gleefully imagines the fun-filled possibilities of an unscheduled holiday from school. But when the family wakes up the next morning, they are in for a disappointment. No snow! As the family members pile into the car so they won’t be late for school, an unexpected twist reveals who wanted the snow day most of all.

Adam Gustavson’s expressive illustrations comically capture the excitement of pure possibility in author Lester Laminack’s thoroughly original and clever take on a familiar childhood wish.

Buy Snow Day! through your local bookstoreBarnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Where Teddy Bears Come From

Where Teddy Bears Come From
Written by Mark Burgess
Illustrated by Russell Ayto

In the middle of a deep, dark forest, all the creatures are fast asleep. Except for a little gray wolf who can’t sleep a wink. The little wolf knows he needs a teddy bear to cuddle to get a good night’s sleep, but exactly where do teddy bears come from? The little wolf asks the Wise Owl and the Three Little Pigs, but nobody knows. Finally, the little wolf stumbles upon a kindly man with a bright red suit and a long white beard, and when the little wolf wakes up the next morning there is a surprise at the foot of his bed… and the answer to his question.

Mark Burgess has woven an amusing, satisfying story that features a steadfast character and a memorable cast of familiar faces. Russell Ayto’s distinctively quirky illustrations offer surprising perspectives and colorfully capture the delightful humor of the story.

Buy Where Teddy Bears Come From through your local bookstoreBarnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

The Santa Trap

The Santa Trap
Written by Jonathan Emmett
Illustrated by Poly Bernatene

To avoid Bradley Bartleby’s wrath, his wealthy parents buy him whatever he wants.  All the adults in Bradley’s life are running scared―except for Santa Claus, who refuses to give him anything but socks. But Bradley vows to get what he deserves. If Santa won’t give him the gifts he wants, Bradley will just have to steal them. In the end, he transforms his house into a trap so fearsome that Santa doesn’t stand a chance. Or does he?

Jonathan Emmet gives readers a Christmas tale from a new and devious perspective. Poly Bernatene’s illustrations perfectly complement the story of the spoiled Bradley, making this a hilarious and exciting story that will keep readers laughing from beginning to end.

Buy The Santa Trap through your local bookstoreBarnes & Noble, or on Amazon.