Winter Poems

Winter Poems compiled by Barbara Rogasky -- authors included: Shakespeare, Ogden Nash, Elizabeth Coatsworth, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Wordsworth, Robert Frost, etc.

illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman -- one of my fave illustrators

beautiful book combining poetry and art (note: no Christmas or religious poetry included :( )

The Mystery of the Missing Red Mitten

So sweet!  A little girl loses one of her red mittens and goes looking for it with her dog.  Reminds me of Spot Color Photographs

Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep

Awww.... this book must have been written for all the little kiddies out there who JUST. WON'T. SLEEP.  and keep fighting their fatigue until they just CRASH.  (Familiar theme around here, esp. around age 5.)  Like the book implies, maybe they're just not hearing us right?  Cute bedtime story that rhymes. 

The Donkey's Dream

There's something about books that talk of the humility of children and animals as it relates to Christmas.  These books serve as great reminders that Christmas is not about lavish or pompous or extravagant -- though they CAN be, of course, and "lavish" and "extravagant" also have their place in celebrating the Lord's birth.  But often, and especially in these days we live in, the reminder to celebrate Advent and Christmas in a manner that differs from the way it's celebrated in most places, is necessary.  So much in our secular world already push us towards the lavish and the extravagant, that to view Christmas in the proper perspective, one needs the quiet and the silence that reading books such as this allows.  While reading this book to kids, it's also appropriate to reflect on the simplicity and the quiet that we need to maintain in our kids' lives, so THEY can focus on what Christmas truly is.

This book is also a lovely one to include in a study of Mary's many different titles, symbols and images.  I am especially moved by the unassuming beauty of the blue forget-me-nots that appear all over the book.  At the end of the book, the author shares the French name of these flowers, les yeux de Marie, or Mary's eyes.  Certainly it would be a blessing to be able to see Christmas through her eyes.

An Early American Christmas

Another classic by this author.  Brings you back to old time celebrations of Advent and Christmas.  I think we'll be using this book as the basis of our own celebration this Christmas.  We'll Change things a bit and give our preparations a 19th century flavor.  Hmmm.... that's an idea.  Have a different "theme" for each Christmas we celebrate.

Flower Fairies of the Winter

Now who doesn't like fairies?  And who doesn't like flowers?  Well, okay, maybe not my boys.  But this is -- as all Cicely Mary Barker books are -- magnificently illustrated, and such a delight to read.  Ideal for nature journal copywork, art, and to accompany plant/flower identification lessons.  I love this book, especially in the wintertime when everything outside is grey and dreary.  This book helps to put things in the right perspective! - Mom

I love this book! - Yena, 8

The Rag Coat

This book tells about a girl who lost her father.   When I first read this it was at a time when we were reading much about poverty and my first thought was, "Wouldn't this depress the kids?"  However, poverty is a constant, universal issue -- it exists because we as a people have not done what we need to do to eradicate it.  In this story the community does what it can to help out this needy family.  There are also themes of dealing with ridicule, developing a positive outlook and being able to communicate effectively with those who criticize you.  The artwork is exceptional and well-suited to the story.  Because of the subject matter, though, you might want to preview it before you read it to your kids. 

Prize in the Snow

Prize in the Snow

This book takes you through the boy's thought processes as he goes on his first hunting trip.  You feel his anticipation, his excitement, you want his plans to work.  And then when he finally catches his prey, there's hesitation, fear, and finally, mercy.  He realizes that his pride in catching the rabbit is not as important as the rabbit's hunger.  He releases his catch and decides instead to feed it again the next day.  An excellent book to read to children to teach them to think of the possible consequences of the choices they make.  Lots of material for good discussion.