Winter: A Solstice Story
by Kelsey Gross; illus. by Renata Liwska
Preschool, Primary    Wiseman/Simon    32 pp.
10/23    9781665908139    $18.99
e-book ed.  9781665908146    $10.99

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.

From the November/December 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.