Winter : A Solstice Story Written by Kelsey E. Gross and published by Paula Wiseman Books
Tonight is the longest night of the year.
Solstice is here.
Deep in the forest, it is dark and cold, and the quiet of winter is all around. Owl watches sunlight dim to a shimmer. Who can help Owl to shine the light and share a gift of hope on this winter evenings?
Along come Deer, Squirrel, Mouse, Duck, Rabbit, Raccoon, and Chickadee, and together they welcome a new friend to join in their winter solstice celebration.
WINTER TIME IS HERE FOR ALL TO SHARE.
Reviews
On the longest night of the year, Owl calls on his forest friends to “shine the light” and “share a gift of hope.” Deer leaves nuts on tree branches so that all may have enough to eat. Raccoon hides berries in the snow as “sweet surprises.” As different animals explain how they can contribute (“I can help to shine the light…I can help to spark the light”), they decorate a tree, and their efforts culminate in the completed tree featured in a vertical gatefold. Liwska’s muted digital illustrations, with primarily blue backgrounds, help to set a peaceful wintry mood. MARVA ANNE HINTON -- Horn Book ― November/December 2023 Issue
A meditative story set in a snow- covered wood. The prose is careful and smooth, mirroring the peaceful illustrations as the story builds spread by spread to envelope onlookers in a winter forest, colored in cool blues, soft whites, and muted browns. Together, words and images carry readers through the woods with an owl, who meets other woodland creatures, preparing for winter. As they make their preparations, the animals create a solstice tree, where they share tender, collected moments together in the cold but cozy setting. VERDICT This beautiful book offers young readers a way into a world they may not encounter, deep in the woods, in winter -- School Library Journal ― 10/1/23
