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Recommended winter reads [UPDATED]
Published 9:39am Friday, February 15, 2013 Updated 11:42am Friday, February 15, 2013Snow has inspired a number of great stories, poems and movies. In fact, as I write this, it is snowing outside once again and, as a result, I am having trouble thinking about anything else. Therefore, I have decided to write this week’s column on, you guessed it, snow.
One great thing about snow is that it inspires indoor activities such as reading, watching movies with popcorn and hot cocoa, and the like. Tuesday, the day after the great blizzard of 2013, 641 individuals ventured into the library to stock up on reading, listening and viewing material, used library computers or participated in other activities to help them wait out this latest round of snow and cold.
Today, I have for you a list of great snow-related books for the whole family. Enjoy and happy shoveling!
Oh, by Kevin Henkes (preschool)
I love the simplicity of this book! It beautifully depicts the wonderment of snow, as children and animals enjoy a fun-filled day of play. In my opinion, it is the perfect book to read to your toddler or preschooler after a night snowfall and just before you get all bundled up to go outside and build a snow fort or create a snowman.
Under My Hood, I Have a Hat, by Karla Kuskin is another great read for this age group and a good choice when you or your child is dreading getting all of that winter gear on, yet again.
The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats (preschool)
This classic remains a favorite of mine and the video version by Scholastic is also well-done. In the story, a young boy embarks on a variety of snowy adventures—creating a snow angel, knocking snow from a tree and, my favorite, trying to save a snowball in his pocket for the next day. Ah, to be a kid again!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis (gradeshool and middle school)
The White Witch! When I think of a great winter read-a-loud for older children, there’s none better than this title.
The setting of the story, in eternal winter, sure speaks to those of us who are feeling the strain of a long winter.
Undiscovered Country, by Lin Enger (adult)
Have you read and enjoyed Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger? If so, you might want to try this book by Leif’s brother and my former professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Lin is a wonderful guy and he has written a suspenseful, haunting book set in the dead of a Minnesota winter. You’ll never think about ice fishing quite the same way again.
The Shipping News, by Annie Proulx (adult)
This was the first book I read by Annie Proulx. After reading it, I was hooked. Set in Newfoundland’s harsh wintery landscape, this unique and darkly comic read is perfect for long winter nights.
The Shipping News was made into a movie, as well, though I am embarrassed to admit I haven’t yet seen it! The movie is also available at the library, however, so I will have to remedy that.
Share some of your favorite wintery reads on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/fergusfallspubliclibrary.
Stay warm and happy reading.
Erin Smith is the director of the Fergus Falls Public Library.
