by Kirsti Granholm

Canadian books often reflect our Canadian landscapes. From tourist destinations, to the ever-changing climates, to the foliage found province-to-province. One popular theme Canadian authors and illustrators have tackled throughout the years is wintertime. Whether it is the holidays or the cold weather, winter is a popular narrative for many amazing Canadian children’s books. That is why this book list is dedicated to some of the top winter stories for kids.

 

All Year Round by Emilie Leduc, translated by Shelley Tanaka  (Groundwood Books, 2015) Ages 2 and up.

All Year Round is not only about wintertime, but all of the wonderful seasons Canada gets to experience. Follow along as you learn from a young child and their different perspectives of each season, the warm colours of fall and the crisp winter months. This book is both beautifully written and illustrated. Highly recommended for young readers and beyond!

 

Animals Illustrated: Polar Bear written by William Flaherty, illustrated by Danny Christopher (Inhabit Media, 2016) Ages 4 and up.

Winter is approaching quickly and for some, the cold weather may leave you reflecting on our animal friends up north. Like the polar bear! The polar bear is one of Canada’s most well-known animals. Unfortunately, with the threat of extinction due to changing climates, many wonder what can be done to help these species living in the northern parts of Canada. While it is important adults are informed, children should be too. Teaching kids about climate change and the animals that are affected by these changes will ensure young children appreciate Canada’s diversity in wildlife and look to take care of the planet in their own unique ways, now and in the future.

 

Avalanche! (Survivor Diaries, Book 2) written by Terry Lynn Johnson, illustrated by Jani Orban (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018) Ages 7 and up.
 In this intense novel, Ashley and Ryan are on a winter skiing trip with their families in Wyoming. Their trip starts off amazing; they get to experience breath-taking views and quality time with their family—until a disaster strikes. While the kids are skiing down the hills, the ground begins to shake and the thick snow begins to crumble over them. The two are buried, but alive, and if they want to make it out that way they must try their best to survive the rigid conditions of the Wyoming mountains.

 

Bears Winter Party by Deborah Hodge, illustrated by Lisa Cinar (Groundwood Books, 2016) Ages 4 and up.

 It’s been a long and lonely winter for bear, living in a big den all alone. Bear knows if he wants some company, he needs to get out and find some new friends. He decides the best way to do this is to throw a party for the other forest animals. Bear is thrilled of the idea of hosting a party, he sets up his den with party gear and gets the treats ready for his guest. Now for the hard part: finding other animals that will be brave enough to step foot in a bear’s den! Bears confidence is knocked, until he happens to stumble upon curious critter lurking around his den.

 

The Christmas Wind written by Stephanie McLellan, illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan (Red Deer Press, 2017) Ages 6 and up.
 Christmas is about giving – to family, friends, or even strangers. In The Christmas Wind,young Jo discovers that not everyone is very kind, but sometimes they may come around. As Jo and her ill mother and baby brother are walking on a cold Christmas Eve, they spot a barn that they hope to rest in and get out of the frigid winds. But the barn is owned by a grumpy farmer, who does not seem interested in helping the family. Jo’s determination and courage changes the families story, for at least that one night.

 

Cold as Ice (Whatever After, Book 6) written by Sarah Mlynowski (Scholastic Press, 2014) Ages 8 and up.

Abby and her brother Jonah both know to stay away from the magic mirror. They know it is very powerful and do not want to risk something happening to them. But one day, their new puppy decides to hop right into the magic mirror and is transported to another universe. It is not any regular universe though; they enter a picturesque winter wonderland! But when the pair realize they have entered the world of the Snow Queen, they know they are in for trouble. The Snow Queen casts an awful spell on their poor pup and turn him into an ice sculpture. Abby and Jonah know they cannot leave without their beloved dog, so they decide it is up to them to save him before its too late!

 

Moon Wishes by Guy Storms and Patricia Storms, illustrated by Milan Pavlović (Groundwood Books, 2019) Ages 3 and up.

Moon Wishes is a delightful bedtime story, about the perspective of the moon. The moon watches over everyone, the animals and the humans, the blossoming flowers of spring and the ice burgs afloat through the winter months. This short and sweet picture book will have you reflecting on the amazing landscapes found across Canada, not only during wintertime but all year through.

 

 What do you think of this cold weather themed book list? Are there any other titles that you would suggest? Let us know on social media @kidsbookcentre.