A Warm Winter by Feridun Oral
Recommended for preschool to grade three.
Snuggle up for this read-aloud. Little Mouse leaves his nest on a cold winter morning to gather firewood, but when it comes time to bring the gathered twigs home, he realizes it is much too heavy for one mouse. He must work together with the other animals before the big blizzard hits. This is a beautifully illustrated story of cooperation and perseverance that will warm any heart.
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
Recommended for grades four–six.
On the first day of winter vacation, Milo Pine is surprised to hear the porch bell ringing at Greenglass House. Milo’s parents have run the inn for as long as Milo can remember. The ramshackle manor attracts a colorful mix of quirky travelers, but not usually at this bitterly cold time of year. A howling blizzard causes the lights to go out, then items from the guestrooms begin to disappear. Milo knows there is a mystery afoot, and with the help of the cook’s daughter, he begins to investigate. Give this Edgar Award winner to young mystery fans.
What Light by Jay Asher
Recommended for grades seven and up.
For Sierra and her family, the holidays mean packing up the day after Thanksgiving and driving from their Oregon farm to California to sell their harvested crop: Christmas trees. It’s a tradition Sierra loves: helping her parents sell trees at the lot, renewing acquaintances with returning customers, mixing hot chocolate to welcome new customers. Despite the holiday cheer, Sierra feels torn between her Oregon friends and her California friends, especially the new guy she meets, Caleb, who delivers Christmas trees to families in need. What Light is a sweet story for teens looking for a light-hearted romance. —Tracy Hvezda-Lehtola
Tracy Hvezda-Lehtola is a librarian at the Hennepin County Library-Excelsior.
